Patient Bed Watch
on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
What is Bed Watching?
Bed watching refers to dedicated, close observation of patients who may present a safety risk to themselves or others. This can include patients who are confused, distressed, physically unwell, under the influence of substances, or experiencing mental health crises.
Our bed watch operatives are deployed to sit with patients for extended periods, ensuring they are safe, supported, and monitored. This may be in a general hospital ward, A&E, psychiatric unit, or care setting.
When is Bed Watching Required?
Bed watch services may be requested in a wide range of situations, including:
Patients with acute or long-term mental health conditions, including those detained under the Mental Health Act
Supporting Your Clinical Teams
UK Patient Care is committed to working alongside hospital staff to ensure that care plans are followed and that patient dignity is maintained at all times. Our teams provide reliable cover that integrates smoothly into clinical environments without disrupting workflow.
Our approach helps reduce incidents, prevent injury, and de-escalate potentially challenging behaviour before it escalates. We understand the importance of communication and provide full verbal handovers between shifts to ensure consistent, joined-up care.
Our Staff and Training Standards
All UK Patient Care bed watch staff undergo comprehensive, role-specific training and are carefully selected for their professionalism, empathy, and situational awareness.
Training modules include:
Our team members are calm under pressure, confident in handling unpredictable situations, and committed to supporting clinical teams in delivering safe, patient-centred care.
Preventative, Not Restrictive
We pride ourselves on a person-centred approach that avoids restrictive practices wherever possible. While our staff are trained in physical intervention and restraint, these techniques are used only as a last resort and in line with relevant legislation and NHS Trust policies.
Our aim is always to reduce agitation, build trust, and keep patients safe through positive engagement, reassurance, and appropriate supervision.
Supporting Your Clinical Teams
For patients requiring longer-term bed watch, we provide consistent staffing with proper shift handovers. Our systems ensure all operatives are briefed with up-to-date information on the patient’s behaviour, medical needs, and risks, ensuring continuity and high standards of care at all times.
Flexible Cover, Responsive Deployment
Whether your hospital needs emergency bed watch cover for a sudden incident or planned supervision for a high-risk admission, we can help. UK Patient Care operates a rapid deployment model and can often provide staff at short notice.
Our flexible staffing approach means we can cover:
FAQ’s
What is a patient bed watch service?
Why do hospitals use bed watching?
Who provides bed watch services in hospitals?
What qualifications do bed watch staff have?
Can you provide same-day bed watch support?
Are bed watch staff allowed to restrain patients?
How do I arrange a bed watch service?
Do you offer bed watch outside of hospitals?
What areas do you cover?
How much does bed watch cost?
Contact UK Patient Care
If you need professional, compassionate, and fully trained staff to provide patient bed watch in your hospital or care setting, we are here to help.
Contact Us
For more information or to make a booking
Why choose UK Patient Care?
National Coverage
We offer comprehensive coverage across the UK and will travel to you.
Highly Experienced Trainers
Our team is made up of industry experts with high levels of relevant experience. They understand the challenges you face and are passionate about making a difference.
Tailored Training
We work closely with our customers to develop training that is unique to their needs and challenges.
Online Resources
We will give you access to online resources and videos after the course to reinforce your learning experience.
Contact Us
For more information or to make a booking