Smart way to keep property safe The Trust’s security team are working with the Police to widen awareness of an initiative that will help the fight against crime by making sure Trust property is more easily identifiable. The secret weapon in their arsenal is SmartWater - an invisible liquid that cannot be seen by the naked eye but shows green under ultra-violet light.
Fast pace: Phil Sheridan and Adrian Howden in the grounds of Seacroft Hospital.
“The difference it makes to my running is unbelievable and it has certainly enabled me to widen my horizons and access activities I’d never imagined would be possible.” Nancy Rhodes, Specialist Rehabilitation Services Manager for the Trust, said: “Our service is geared towards ensuring all the patients we work with have the rehabilitation, support and prosthetic limbs which meet their individual clinical needs. “As much as possible we want them to have the same mobility they enjoyed before their amputation. This means that for keen sportsmen like Adrian and Phil who have reached a high level of fitness and are progressing well in their rehabilitation we will prescribe these blades which are quite
incredible in terms of the turn of speed they give the wearer.” Steve Carter, branch manager of prosthetic provider RSL Steeper, which works in partnership with the Trust at the Seacroft facility added: “It’s really inspiring to work with Adrian and Phil, who are living proof that athletic ability isn’t constrained by losing a limb. “While these types of blades are highly specialised and used by top athletes, people are often surprised to hear they can be made available on the NHS, in addition to their regular prosthetic limb, based on individual clinical need. We are really proud that patients from our centre are able to compete in top international events and it is a privilege to work with them.”
It contains a unique forensic DNA fingerprint which means that the police can link the stolen property to its owner and criminals to a crime scene. Police forces throughout the UK are already using SmartWater on anything from lead roofing to a wedding ring. Nigel Emery from Operational Security said: “The liquid is impossible to remove and police can analyse SmartWater to prove where any item of property came from so it is an extremely effective way of recovering valuable items if a criminal tries to sell them on. “We also obviously want to prevent thefts happening in the first place, so as well as securing property and locking doors, putting up signs warning would-be thieves that property is marked in this way is a useful extra deterrent to crime.” If you want help getting your portable departmental items marked with SmartWater please contact Nigel on ext 64053.
Team effort: With Phil and Adrian are Prosthetist Lynn Hirst, Carl Elliott, Clinical prosthetic manager, RSL Steeper branch manager Steve Carter and Elizabeth Stoppard, Consultant in rehabilitation medicine.
Theft deterrent: Nigel Emery, Operational Security, marking Trust property with SmartWater.
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