YAR Cards

The Yellow/Amber/Red (YAR) card scheme is aimed at those who wilfully abuse staff. It should not be used for those who are cognitive impaired e.g. dementia, LD/ASD, mental health illness in crisis e.g. psychosis. Alcohol/drug intoxication WILL apply.

Zero tolerance of abuse

Our staff come to work to provide safe, compassionate care for patients and their families. We have a zero-tolerance approach to abusive, threatening or violent behaviour towards our staff, volunteers and contractors.

Anyone who behaves in an abusive, threatening or violent manner may be asked to leave Trust premises, have restrictions placed on their access to services, and could face investigation and prosecution by the police.

We ask all patients, visitors and members of the public to treat our staff with respect and kindness so they can continue providing the best possible care for everyone.

Getting a Yellow Card and what it means for you

You have received a Yellow Card while attending here at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.

 You have been given this card because you have already received a first warning and you have continued to display unacceptable behaviours towards our staff:

  • Verbal abuse
  • Loud / intrusive conversation
  • Unwanted or abusive remarks
  • Invasion of personal space
  • Offensive gestures
  • Unreasonable behaviour and non-co-operation

What does this mean for you?

Your Yellow Card has been noted on your medical record (or your relatives, if applicable) as an alert.
If you continue to display this behaviour, you will be given an Amber or Red Card, and the Security Team will be called to escort you from the department. 

Your behaviour may result in you being excluded from the department for a set period of time. This Yellow Card alert will remain for your records for a period of 6 months.

Getting an Amber Card and what it means for you

You have received an Amber Card while attending the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.

You have been given this card because you have already received a first warning and you have continued to display unacceptable behaviours towards our staff:

  • Verbal abuse
  • Loud / intrusive conversation
  • Unwanted or abusive remarks
  • Invasion of personal space
  • Offensive gestures
  • Unreasonable behaviour and non-co-operation

What does this mean for me?

Your Amber Card has been noted on your medical record (or your relatives, if applicable) as an alert. You will also receive a letter from the Trust. If you continue to display this behaviour, you will be given a Red Card, and the Security Team will be called to escort you from the department.

Your behaviour may result in you being excluded from the department for a set period of time. This Amber Card alert will remain for your records for a period of 6 months.

Getting a Red Card and what that means for you

You have received a Red Card while attending the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust. You have been given this card because you have displayed one or more of these unacceptable behaviours towards our staff:

  • Your  unacceptable behaviour continued after an Amber card was given 
  • Physical assault of any kind
  • Threat with a weapon
  • Sexual assault

What does this mean for you?

Your Red Card has been noted on your medical record (or your relatives, if applicable) as an alert. You will also receive a letter from the Trust. You have been asked to leave the department or you may have been escorted from the premises by the Security Team or the Police.

This Red Card means you will be excluded from the department for 12 months. (Unless you are attending our Emergency Department for life threatening treatment) 

This Red Card alert will remain for your records for up to 12 months.

What if you don’t agree with this decision?
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can help patients, carers, relatives and visitors with queries and concerns about our hospital services.

PALS are open 8am - 4pm, Monday - Friday. 

You can get in contact with PALS:
Telephone: 0118 322 8338
Email: PALS@royalberkshire.nhs.uk
Write: PALS, Main Entrance, Level 2, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Craven
Road, Reading RG1 5AN