GP practices and hospitals have been advised to protect their premises as official data reveals over 140 arson attacks took place at healthcare buildings last year. Home Office figures showed that there were 500 fires at hospitals and medical care facilities in 2023/24 in England, of which 146 were deliberate.
Fire safety experts highlighted the alarming prevalence of arson incidents in healthcare settings and the significant risk to patient and staff safety.
To protect their practices from arson, GPs and Hospitals are advised to take action such as upgrading their fire alarm systems, ensuring CCTV covers high-risk areas, reviewing access controls and training staff to recognise suspicious behaviour.
Healthcare providers must adhere to the regulations set out in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Official figures showed that in total there were just over 4,100 deliberate fires in England in 2023/24, and of the sectors monitored by the Home Office, healthcare facilities ranked second only to retail premises.
Source: GPs and hospitals saw over 140 arson attacks last year – Pulse Today
What do you need to do?
- Contact your Local Security Management Specialist to review site security including alarms, lighting, CCTV, access to help deter or detect arsonists
- Store flammable materials such as cleaning agents and pharmaceuticals securely
- Increase staff awareness so they know how to recognise and report suspicious activities
Importance: Amber – action is recommended
Staff should report all security and safety incidents on their incident reporting systems and inform the nominated Anti-Crime / Security Management Specialist for further support or Contact Us.