Pubwatch and the NHS FAQ's

What is Pubwatch?

Well over one hundred pubs, clubs, hotels and restaurants on the Isle of Wight are part of the Pubwatch scheme which makes it easy for bar staff to identify well-known troublemakers. Pubwatch is the licensed trade's equivalent of Neighbourhood Watch. There are currently 9 Pubwatches on the Island, they are at Bembridge, East Cowes, Cowes, Freshwater & Totland, Newport, Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor. Called Isle of Wight Pubwatch, this website - www.iow-pubwatch.co.uk assists in bringing the local Pubwatch community together.

What is the NHS on the Island?

The NHS on the Isle of Wight is a unique organisation which unlike the mainland combines provider services – the acute hospital at St. Mary’s, community health services, mental health and learning disability services, ambulance services, prison healthcare and primary care under one organisation – the Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust (PCT). The PCT is sometimes referred to as NHS Isle of Wight.

What is the problem?

There is a low level of verbal abuse and physical threats against NHS staff. However Ambulance, Emergency Department and mental health staff do experience this more than most NHS staff. Frequently these problems are associated with the consumption of alcohol and sometimes drugs.

How big is the problem?

Between April 2009 and March 2010 (the last full year for which figures are available) there were 63 assaults against the Island’s NHS staff. The Island’s NHS employed 3,866 staff during the year and the assaults per 1,000 staff equals 16.3. This compares to a national average of 39.8 assaults per 1,000 staff.

How will troublemakers be referred to Pubwatch?

The NHS has a zero tolerance policy on verbal abuse and physical threats against staff. Where all other action to resolve an issue with a troublemaker have been exhausted the NHS may refer the individual to Pubwatch to consider a ban.

Who makes the decision to ban an individual?

The decision to ban an individual rests with Pubwatch members and is taken in private.

How is the individual informed that they are banned?

Individuals banned as part of the collaboration with the NHS will be notified of the Pubwatch ban in the same way that other people banned are notified. A letter prepared by Pubwatch will be passed to the Police to be hand delivered to the individual.

Do they have a right of appeal?

The individual is allowed a full opportunity to appeal against any ban. Please [see here].

How is the ban publicised?

The individual’s details are circulated to Pubwatch members on the Island and posted on the Pubwatch website. The photographs and names of banned persons are only displayed within the secure section of the Pubwatch website, never on public Internet view. Only Pubwatch licensees and authorised personnel have to access this information.

Are there any other benefits from this joint working between Pubwatch and the NHS?

The NHS is looking forward to working more closely with Pubwatch members. There is potential for closer collaboration on programmes such as smoking cessation, healthy eating and responsible drinking as well as a range of other health awareness campaigns.

How are Pubwatch schemes supported?

Local Pubwatch schemes are supported by a local police officer however all decisions to ban troublemakers are made by the members themselves. The police do not have any voting rights at meetings, nor are recommendations made by officers. The police are referred to only for factual information, which is then only disclosed when relevant to the issue under discussion.

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