Hospital staff in Lincolnshire who work alone are using hi-tech personal alarms to protect themselves against violence, abuse or threats at work.

Maternity and children's nurses at hospitals across the county are wearing electronic devices which can alert security officers, summon help and record incidents.

Audio recordings obtained via the NHS Security Management Service can be used as evidence in court.

In 2008/9 there were 143 reported incidents of staff at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust being assaulted at work.

One hundred staff across the county have so far been equipped with the devices and trained how to use them.

Jean Burgess, 74, retired nurse and chairman of Lincolnshire's hospital patients' council, welcomed the extra protection for staff.

"This is about protecting the people who serve the community and that has to be a good thing," said Mrs Burgess, who lives in Claypole.

"There was an occasion during my 50-year nursing career when I was rabbit punched across the neck by a patient.

"I know from personal experience that assaults can happen and sadly there are far too many attacks on staff.

"Anything that can deter attacks would be welcomed by staff and patients."

The lone worker protection package is Government funded and costs less than 33p a day to operate.

The Department of Health announced in May 2009 that 30,000 NHS lone workers would receive personal security alarms.

Security management specialist for ULHT Lance Morgan, said the devices would eventually be rolled out to more staff.

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