G4S has launched an innovative portable security system to monitor the safety of vulnerable patients.

G4S Virtual Patient Watch raises an alarm the instant a patient either attempts to get out of bed, or begins demonstrating escalating behaviour requiring immediate medical attention.

G4S Canada CEO Peter Panaritis, said: "G4S is able to provide both the technology and security staff specifically trained for this environment, unlike any other solution on the market."

"It has the potential to deliver significant benefits to customers and patients alike, putting their safety and security first."

G4S Virtual Patient Watch has a wide range of potential security and safety applications in a healthcare setting, including the provision of enhance monitoring and security of patients suffering from psychiatric illnesses or chronic conditions such as dementia.

Used in combination with G4S security teams trained to work in clinical settings, it can reduce a healthcare facility's costs, with the ability to monitor a greater number of patients from a central location, without compromising the level of patient safety. 

Central to the system is a high-resolution bedside camera with infra-red capability that allows it to function in the semi-dark of nightime units. The camera senses the movement of a patient who is preparing to get out of bed or who is escalating in behaviour, triggering an alarm to alert security or medical staff.

A speakerphone system allows for direct contact with the patient or clinical staff who can be alerted for immediate assistance. It is designed to be audible in the noisiest of settings such as emergency rooms.

The camera is mounted on a wheeled, IV-style pole positioned near the bed. It makes use of the hospital's existing wireless system and has its own back-up power source, which means it remains operational while being moved between rooms.

The system will be exhibited for the first time at the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) event in Vancouver this week (23 April).

Virtual Patient Watch initially will be manufactured, distributed and supported across North America.

About G4S 
G4S is the leading global, integrated security company, specializing in the provision of security services and solutions to customers. Our mission is to create material, sustainable value for our customers and shareholders by being the supply partner of choice in all our markets. G4S is quoted on the London Stock Exchange and has a secondary stock exchange listing in Copenhagen. G4S is active in around 100 countries and has 585,000 employees. For more information on G4S, visit www.g4s.com.

About G4S Canada 
As Canada's leading provider of security solutions, we offer an integrated security solutions approach. We will assess, integrate, equip and secure your environment. G4S employs thousands of Canadians and operates in offices across the country. For more information on G4S Canada, visit www.g4s.ca