2gether Support Solutions, a subsidiary of East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, has appointed Assist Security Group (ASG) to provide physical security services across its four sites: William Harvey Hospital (Ashford), Kent & Canterbury Hospital (Canterbury), Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital (Margate) and Buckland Hospital (Dover, entrance pictured).
Approach
Paul Grzegorzek, NHS Account Director at ASG, said: “It’s protection through a tailored, risk-based approach. No two environments are the same, which is why we assess threats, vulnerabilities, and incident trends to build a clear picture of the unique security needs. ASG officers understand the complexities of healthcare environments. They can work alongside NHS staff during challenging situations and genuinely care about patient welfare. Our team has the expertise to integrate seamlessly with clinical staff whilst maintaining the security standards these four busy hospitals need.”
The guard firm says it will implement a security strategy across all four sites, combining core security services with training and staff welfare support. The approach includes tech-enabled officers who use incident management systems, and intelligence-driven protocols.
Training
All officers will complete the firm’s specialist three-day initial training, which includes de-escalation, Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression (PMVA) and appropriate use of restraint techniques, for responding safely to challenging situations while maintaining dignity and care for all involved.
Security officers will have access to a 24-hour GP helpline, 24-hour mental health support through the Mindful Employer programme, and counselling services. ASG partners with PTSD Resolution, the veterans’ charity offering help for trauma.
ASG’s interactive training platform delivers short, focused learning modules. The firm adds that its specialised healthcare security approach incorporates technology, risk anticipation and prevention systems alongside situational response protocols tailored to healthcare settings.
Grzegorzek added: “What sets us apart is our people and their experience. We’re deploying officers who understand the complexities of healthcare environments, receive relevant training and are deployed with the latest technology to make a real difference in helping reduce violence and aggression across the NHS. That makes all the difference when you’re securing four major hospital sites across East Kent.
“ASG also provides systems and other technology services to further support guarding deployment and ensure a comprehensive resource-to-risk approach that protects Trust budgets and the return on investment.”
ASG adds that it’s in discussions with several other NHS Trusts. Visit https://assistsecurity.co.uk/.
