To ensure the security and safety of the staff and patients at hospitals, the Kerala Health Department released a 'Code Grey Protocol' recently, along the lines of the same implemented in various developed nations. It has been tweaked to suit the state's necessities. Extensive discussions were held involving police, health department officials and legal experts before issuing the directive. A special fund has also been allotted for the implementation. The protocol has also been mandatory for all hospitals in the state.
What is 'Code Grey?'
Code Grey is usually called in hospitals to alert staff to dangerous persons or criminal activity somewhere on the facility's premises. It can be used if anyone, including a patient, is violent, abusive or aggressive. It alerts security staff and others to manage the situation, take safety precautions and control the aggressor as required.The actions to ensure that safety precautions are taken, reporting of the same to authorities and follow-up activities are done are detailed in the Code Grey manuel. It also has details on the mental and legal support that should be given to the staff and others.
Earlier, the Government had also proposed an updated version of the Kerala Healthcare Service Persons and Healthcare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2012, with sections on penalties for engaging in violence in hospital premises. Staff members will also be trained as part of implementing the protocol well and mock drills will also be conducted to review the measures.
