Real moments where staff alarm systems made the difference

St. George’s Hospital in South Staffordshire, a large NHS facility with 12 inpatient wards and over 400 staff, supports patients with a wide range of mental health needs, from young people experiencing their first episode of psychosis to elderly patients living with dementia, as well as those detained under the Mental Health Act.

During a review of its security systems, the hospital identified a critical gap: its extensive outdoor gardens, important spaces for patient recovery and wellbeing, were not covered by safety alarm systems. Staff supervising these areas had no reliable way to summon assistance in the event of a fall, aggressive behaviour, or if they felt unsafe.

The hospital required a unified, modern alarm system that could integrate with existing IT and security infrastructure, while extending coverage across all indoor and outdoor areas. The Pinpoint System was selected for its reliability, precision and robust yet unobtrusive design, offering staff the ability to call for help instantly wherever they are on site, whether inside wards or in the gardens.

Pinpoint receivers were strategically positioned to maintain functionality despite environmental factors such as sunlight, while the system was fully integrated with the hospital’s network and existing paging solutions.

The result is a cost-effective, site-wide system that enhances both staff confidence and patient safety. Martyn Perry, Head of Programme Management Office and Assistive Technology Strategy Lead at St. George’s Hospital, South Staffordshire NHS Trust, said: “Pinpoint handled the installation professionally with minimum disruption to the wards. The engineers did a really great job. Mental health wards can be particularly challenging locations to install products without disrupting our service users...Feedback from the users of the system has been positive. It is easier to use, requires very little training and the devices are more robust.”

At Millennium Care in North Yorkshire, carers support residents with complex behavioural needs, where moments of confusion or fear can sometimes lead to aggression. Maintaining a calm, peaceful atmosphere is crucial to residents’ comfort and well-being.

To maintain that sense of calm while still protecting staff, the team needed a discreet yet reliable staff alarm system, one that allows carers to summon assistance instantly without distressing residents or escalating situations.

Pinpoint’s Personal Infrared Transmitters (PITs) provide exactly that. A small alarm device designed to be worn at waist level, each PIT can be activated quickly by pulling it from its retaining pin, sending several bursts of coded infrared light towards nearby receivers. Because the signal disperses automatically, staff don’t need to aim the device directly, allowing for a fast, quiet call for help that goes unnoticed by residents.

For even greater discretion, the P2 Badge PIT conceals the same advanced technology within a standard ID badge holder, while the Display Units are designed to blend with the surrounding environment. Staff can trigger an alarm without drawing attention, maintaining the serene environment residents rely on while ensuring immediate support when required.

The unobtrusive nature of the Pinpoint system is a game-changer for sensitive care settings where service-users may become distressed or disoriented by visible signs of high-alert security.

The Creagh Suite at St. Brigid’s Hospital in Galway provides specialist dementia care, where residents often require close supervision and calm surroundings. To protect both staff and residents, the hospital sought a reliable safety system that would align with HSE best practice. With its proven reliability, durability and customisable features, the Pinpoint System was the perfect choice

Designed with two distinct call levels — Assistance and Emergency — the system enables staff to raise the appropriate type of alert for each situation. This ensures that response teams can act quickly and proportionately, reducing the risk of harm to both carers and residents.

With the approval of the Health Service Executive (HSE), the installation at the Creagh Suite provided complete coverage across wards and garden areas, offering a level of protection that goes beyond statutory requirements.

Smallwood Manor, a mental health hospital for adolescents, supports young people with complex emotional and behavioural challenges. In this environment, distress or aggression can occur without warning, making fast communication vital.

To meet these needs, Cove Healthcare sought a robust, high-quality safety system that could alert staff to potential issues without causing undue noise or disruption on the wards.

Before the hospital opened, comprehensive staff training was delivered on both system operation and emergency response protocols. This preparation ensured that all staff understood exactly how to activate alarms, interpret alerts, and respond swiftly in line with agreed procedures. The result was a confident, coordinated team ready to maintain safety from day one.

For residents, Pinpoint assistance alarm buttons were installed throughout patient rooms and communal areas, allowing hospital residents to request help instantly when needed. The buttons are designed for intuitive use and easily activated in moments of distress, affording patients a greater sense of security with the knowledge that assistance is always within reach.

Together, the staff safety systems and patient call buttons have created a safer, calmer environment at Smallwood Manor, where both staff and patients are empowered to act quickly and confidently in any situation.