28 October 2026
In healthcare environments, ensuring the safety of staff and providing patients with a reliable way to request assistance are both essential considerations. From helping employees when they encounter challenging situations to allowing patients to call for support when they need it, effective communication systems play an important role in the day-to-day running of healthcare organisations.
Staff attack alarm systems and nurse call systems are traditionally considered separate solutions, each serving a different purpose. However, having both functionalities available through one integrated system can offer several practical advantages for healthcare organisations.
Staff attack alarm systems and nurse call systems are traditionally considered separate solutions, each serving a different purpose. However, having both functionalities available through one integrated system can offer several practical advantages for healthcare organisations.
Staff Attack Alarm Systems vs Nurse Call Systems
Although both systems allow individuals to request support, they are designed to support different needs within a healthcare environment.
Staff Safety Systems
Staff attack alarm systems are designed to help protect employees who may encounter aggression, violence or other situations where they require assistance or emergency support.
Using a personal alarm device, staff can discreetly raise an alarm when they feel threatened or need additional support. Depending on the system, different levels of calls may be available, allowing employees to distinguish between a request for assistance and an emergency.
These systems are particularly valuable in environments such as hospitals, mental health facilities and other healthcare settings where staff may work in challenging or unpredictable situations.
Nurse Call Systems
Nurse call systems provide patients with a straightforward way to request assistance from healthcare staff.
Typically, this involves wall-mounted call buttons positioned in convenient locations around patient rooms, bathrooms and other relevant areas. When activated, a call is communicated to designated staff members, allowing them to identify where assistance is required.
Whether a patient needs help with their daily care, requires additional support or has an urgent concern, having an accessible way to request assistance is an important part of patient communication.
Although the two systems serve different purposes, both rely on the same fundamental principle: making sure that people can request help when they need it and that the appropriate individuals are made aware.
Staff Safety Systems
Staff attack alarm systems are designed to help protect employees who may encounter aggression, violence or other situations where they require assistance or emergency support.
Using a personal alarm device, staff can discreetly raise an alarm when they feel threatened or need additional support. Depending on the system, different levels of calls may be available, allowing employees to distinguish between a request for assistance and an emergency.
These systems are particularly valuable in environments such as hospitals, mental health facilities and other healthcare settings where staff may work in challenging or unpredictable situations.
Nurse Call Systems
Nurse call systems provide patients with a straightforward way to request assistance from healthcare staff.
Typically, this involves wall-mounted call buttons positioned in convenient locations around patient rooms, bathrooms and other relevant areas. When activated, a call is communicated to designated staff members, allowing them to identify where assistance is required.
Whether a patient needs help with their daily care, requires additional support or has an urgent concern, having an accessible way to request assistance is an important part of patient communication.
Although the two systems serve different purposes, both rely on the same fundamental principle: making sure that people can request help when they need it and that the appropriate individuals are made aware.
Why Consider Having Both Systems with One Provider?
When reviewing staff safety and communication requirements, healthcare organisations may find themselves looking at different suppliers for staff attack alarms and nurse call systems.
However, choosing a provider that specialises in both can offer several practical benefits.
A More Joined Up Approach
Working with one specialist provider for both systems can help create a more consistent approach to staff safety and patient communication.
Rather than treating each requirement as an entirely separate project, organisations can consider how the different functions will operate alongside one another within the same environment.
This can be particularly useful when planning new installations, upgrading existing systems or reviewing the requirements of a healthcare facility.
Simplified Communication and Management
Having both functionalities available through an integrated system can help streamline how different calls are communicated to response staff.
Depending on the configuration, staff attack alarms and patient calls can be displayed through the same system infrastructure, helping designated responders identify the type and location of a call.
This can also provide estates and facilities teams with a more coordinated approach when managing their alarm systems.
One Specialist Point of Contact
Working with a provider that understands both technologies means organisations have one specialist team to discuss their requirements with.
From initial planning and installation through to training, maintenance and ongoing technical support, having a provider familiar with both functions can make managing the systems more straightforward.
It also means organisations can discuss how their staff safety and patient communication requirements work together, rather than having to coordinate separate suppliers.
However, choosing a provider that specialises in both can offer several practical benefits.
A More Joined Up Approach
Working with one specialist provider for both systems can help create a more consistent approach to staff safety and patient communication.
Rather than treating each requirement as an entirely separate project, organisations can consider how the different functions will operate alongside one another within the same environment.
This can be particularly useful when planning new installations, upgrading existing systems or reviewing the requirements of a healthcare facility.
Simplified Communication and Management
Having both functionalities available through an integrated system can help streamline how different calls are communicated to response staff.
Depending on the configuration, staff attack alarms and patient calls can be displayed through the same system infrastructure, helping designated responders identify the type and location of a call.
This can also provide estates and facilities teams with a more coordinated approach when managing their alarm systems.
One Specialist Point of Contact
Working with a provider that understands both technologies means organisations have one specialist team to discuss their requirements with.
From initial planning and installation through to training, maintenance and ongoing technical support, having a provider familiar with both functions can make managing the systems more straightforward.
It also means organisations can discuss how their staff safety and patient communication requirements work together, rather than having to coordinate separate suppliers.
What are The Benefits of an Integrated System?
Beyond convenience of having one provider, bringing staff safety and nurse call functionality together can offer wider benefits for healthcare environments.
Supporting Both Staff and Patients
Staff need to know that they can request assistance or emergency support when they encounter a difficult or potentially dangerous situation. Equally, patients need to feel confident that they can alert healthcare professionals when they require support.
Having both functions available through one system helps organisations address these two important requirements within their healthcare environment.
Consistent Communication
An integrated system can provide a consistent way of communicating different types of calls to designated responders.
For example, staff assistance calls, emergency alarms and patient calls can be identified through relevant display and communication devices, depending on the system configuration.
Clear identification of the call type and location helps responders understand what support has been requested.
Considering Installation and Infrastructure Together
When both functions are planned as part of the same system, organisations can assess their requirements together.
This can help when considering building layouts, equipment positioning, coverage and future changes to the facility.
Rather than planning two completely separate installations, a joined-up approach allows the provider to consider how the different components can work together within the building.
Ongoing Support and Maintenance
Having one specialist provider responsible for both functions can also simplify ongoing support arrangements.
Healthcare organisations can discuss servicing, maintenance, training and technical assistance with a team that understands how the different parts of the system operate.
This can be particularly useful for busy healthcare environments where reliable communication and well-maintained equipment are important to everyday operations.
Supporting Both Staff and Patients
Staff need to know that they can request assistance or emergency support when they encounter a difficult or potentially dangerous situation. Equally, patients need to feel confident that they can alert healthcare professionals when they require support.
Having both functions available through one system helps organisations address these two important requirements within their healthcare environment.
Consistent Communication
An integrated system can provide a consistent way of communicating different types of calls to designated responders.
For example, staff assistance calls, emergency alarms and patient calls can be identified through relevant display and communication devices, depending on the system configuration.
Clear identification of the call type and location helps responders understand what support has been requested.
Considering Installation and Infrastructure Together
When both functions are planned as part of the same system, organisations can assess their requirements together.
This can help when considering building layouts, equipment positioning, coverage and future changes to the facility.
Rather than planning two completely separate installations, a joined-up approach allows the provider to consider how the different components can work together within the building.
Ongoing Support and Maintenance
Having one specialist provider responsible for both functions can also simplify ongoing support arrangements.
Healthcare organisations can discuss servicing, maintenance, training and technical assistance with a team that understands how the different parts of the system operate.
This can be particularly useful for busy healthcare environments where reliable communication and well-maintained equipment are important to everyday operations.
Supporting Staff Safety with the Pinpoint P2 System
At Pinpoint, we understand that healthcare environments have different requirements when it comes to protecting staff and supporting patients.
That’s why our P2 System brings together staff attack alarm and patient call functionality, providing a solution that can support both requirements within one integrated system.
Staff Safety System
The P2 Personal Infrared Transmitter (PIT) allows staff to raise an Assistance or Emergency calls when required.
Designed to be lightweight and comfortable to wear throughout a shift, the device gives employees a practical way to request help while carrying out their everyday responsibilities.
When activated, the system communicates the location and type of call to relevant display and communication devices, helping response staff identify where assistance is needed.
Patient Call Buttons
The P2 Patient Call Button provides patients with a simple, wall-mounted way to request assistance from healthcare staff.
Installed in convenient locations around the building, the buttons can be configured to suit different care environments. Options include single patient call button or an additional button that allows nursing staff to indicate when assistance has been provided, and there is a nurse present.
The buttons also feature clear illumination to indicate call status, helping patients and staff identify when a call has been activated or attend to.
One Integrated System
Both staff alarm devices and patient call buttons operate through the Pinpoint System, allowing different types of calls to be communicated through the same system infrastructure.
With the ability to relay information to display units, mobile devices and PCs, the P2 System provides flexibility in how healthcare organisations receive and manage calls.
By bringing these functions together, Pinpoint offers healthcare and care facilities a way to consider staff safety and patient communication as part of one wider solution.
That’s why our P2 System brings together staff attack alarm and patient call functionality, providing a solution that can support both requirements within one integrated system.
Staff Safety System
The P2 Personal Infrared Transmitter (PIT) allows staff to raise an Assistance or Emergency calls when required.
Designed to be lightweight and comfortable to wear throughout a shift, the device gives employees a practical way to request help while carrying out their everyday responsibilities.
When activated, the system communicates the location and type of call to relevant display and communication devices, helping response staff identify where assistance is needed.
Patient Call Buttons
The P2 Patient Call Button provides patients with a simple, wall-mounted way to request assistance from healthcare staff.
Installed in convenient locations around the building, the buttons can be configured to suit different care environments. Options include single patient call button or an additional button that allows nursing staff to indicate when assistance has been provided, and there is a nurse present.
The buttons also feature clear illumination to indicate call status, helping patients and staff identify when a call has been activated or attend to.
One Integrated System
Both staff alarm devices and patient call buttons operate through the Pinpoint System, allowing different types of calls to be communicated through the same system infrastructure.
With the ability to relay information to display units, mobile devices and PCs, the P2 System provides flexibility in how healthcare organisations receive and manage calls.
By bringing these functions together, Pinpoint offers healthcare and care facilities a way to consider staff safety and patient communication as part of one wider solution.
What Should Healthcare Organisations Consider when Choosing a Provider?
Choosing the right system involves more than comparing individual devices. Healthcare organistaions should also consider the experience and support offered by the provider.
Here are some areas to look at:
Here are some areas to look at:
- Experience within healthcare environments: Does the provider understand the practical demands of hospitals, mental health facilities and other healthcare settings? Experience within these environments can be valuable when planning a system that needs to work around existing buildings, operational requirements and live healthcare environments.
- Knowledge of both technologies: If you require staff attack and nurse call functionality, consider whether the provider has specialist knowledge of both. This can help when assessing how the different functions will operate together.
- Installation and integration: Consider how the proposed system will fit within your existing infrastructure, what installation work is required and whether the solution can accommodate future changes.
- Training and ongoing support: Staff need to understand how to use the system, while organisations need access to appropriate maintenance and technical support. Ask what training, servicing and support arrangements are available.
- Flexibility and future requirements: Healthcare facilities change over time. Look for a provider that can understand your current requirements while considering how your system may need to develop in the future.
Bringing Staff Safety and Patient Communication Together
Staff attack alarm systems and nurse call systems serve different purposes, but both play an important role in helping people request assistance within healthcare environments.
By choosing a provider that specialises in both technologies, healthcare organisations can take a more joined-up approach to their staff safety and patient communication requirements.
Having both functions available through one integrated solution can also offer practical benefits when it comes to planning, installation, system management and ongoing support.
At Pinpoint, our P2 System combines staff attack alarm and patient call functionality, bringing these important features together within one solution.
With over 30 years of experience in staff safety technology, we understand the importance of providing systems that meet the needs of different healthcare environments.
Looking for a staff safety and patient call solution for your healthcare facility? Contact the Pinpoint team to discuss your requirements and discover how the P2 System could support your organisation.
By choosing a provider that specialises in both technologies, healthcare organisations can take a more joined-up approach to their staff safety and patient communication requirements.
Having both functions available through one integrated solution can also offer practical benefits when it comes to planning, installation, system management and ongoing support.
At Pinpoint, our P2 System combines staff attack alarm and patient call functionality, bringing these important features together within one solution.
With over 30 years of experience in staff safety technology, we understand the importance of providing systems that meet the needs of different healthcare environments.
Looking for a staff safety and patient call solution for your healthcare facility? Contact the Pinpoint team to discuss your requirements and discover how the P2 System could support your organisation.
Looking for a staff safety and patient call solution for your healthcare facility? Contact the Pinpoint team to discuss your requirements and discover how the P2 System could support your organisation.








