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| Corps Security wins a three year contract from the East Surrey Hospital |
Part of the Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH), East Surrey Hospital (ESH) is the major healthcare establishment for its region and provides a wide range of services to the local community.
It first opened its doors in 1979 and completed a second phase of major building work in 1991. It now comprises over 25 wards, a number of outpatient clinics, and a round the clock emergency department.
The safety of staff, patients and visitors, as well the buildings and the important equipment that is housed in them, is taken incredibly seriously by ESH. The use of manned guarding, in conjunction with surveillance and access control technology, is vital and those running ESH need to know that those they trust to carry out this aspect of their operation can provide security services of the highest standards.
Richard Bridgman, ESH’s security manager, said: “Corps Security came up with a solution that met our specific requirements and helps the hospital achieve all its security based objectives.”
Corps Security was awarded a three-year contract and now provides 24/7 manned guarding and mobile response services to ESH. Flytzanis comments, “We were delighted to win this contract as we are keen to increase our presence in the healthcare sector. We have already completed a review of the hospital’s CCTV and alarm systems and our recommendations have been well received.”
Compliance with the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 – otherwise known as TUPE – meant that the some of the operatives who worked for the previous guarding company had to transfer their employment to Corps Security.
Flytzanis explains, “While this can be a problematic process if not handled correctly, we pride ourselves on our ability to ensure a smooth transition. We treat legal compliance as a bare minimum requirement and adopt a policy of inclusivity, consultation and best practice that results in a more motivated and engaged workforce.”
"...We have already completed a review of the hospital’s CCTV and alarm systems and our recommendations have been well received" |
In order to demonstrate its commitment to the career development of its employees Corps Security has instigated a variety of programmes that meet the needs of its diverse employee demographic. This includes its pioneering Securing Success programme, which recently won the prestigious Inspiration in HR Award at the 2012 Security Excellence Awards.
The Securing Success management development programme is designed for all Corps Security’s junior and middle management personnel. It consists of six one-day modules covering a broad range of topics such as people management and leadership, finance, health and safety and compliance, operational security knowledge, sales and marketing, and time management and organizational skills.
So that it can make the programme more relevant to its employees working in the healthcare sector, Corps Security is currently designing a hospital training module. Flytzanis comments, “This will include control and restraint training to account for the unique risks that a hospital based environment presents. Our willingness to embark on this type of activity and offer a unique service was other reasons why we were selected by ESH.”
Richard Bridgman is delighted with the improvements to ESH’s security. He concludes, “We are pleased with the service provided so far by Corps Security. They regularly communicate with us and visit the site on a bi-weekly basis, and I look forward to developing our relationship in the future.”
