We take a look into the technologies that are helping to protect the healthcare facilities that are protecting us on a daily basis
Hospitals have always been seen as bastions of safety in the public eye but in the last few years attitudes towards public protection have become increasingly important. As such, new and more rigorous security measures are being undertaken by healthcare facilities to ensure the safety of its patients, staff and visitors from more external threats – both microbial and criminal.
These buildings regularly accommodate some of the most emotionally and physically vulnerable people and so it is paramount that these individuals feel as secure as they possibly can. Healthcare facilities and especially hospitals are very intricate affairs with a myriad of independent departments and systems that all must work in tandem to ensure smooth operation for everyone; any small fault could prove devastating and perhaps even life-threatening in serious cases.
As such, there are many things that need additional protection beyond just the physical wellbeing of patients. Visitors and staff also need to feel secure, as well as their sensitive data. Background checks are essential in the hiring process to ensure only people of amicable character are taken on with a desire to help others.
The building itself also needs to be monitored regularly as there are many methods of entry that could be exploited and can result in loss of invaluable equipment and goods that cannot be procured anywhere else. Avoidance of situations like these can be assured with limiting access to restricted areas in the building in the form of electronic ID cards or Biometric scans, in addition to comprehensive background checks for staff.
Physical protection of the people
No one likes being at the hospital. It is a place (through no fault of its own) that houses a lot of suffering, both of the body and mind. Patients come through the doors with a myriad of maladies and visitors are often subject to witness of their loved ones’ pain. This can leave tensions running very high, on either side of the operating theatre. Precautions must be taken by healthcare facilities to protect their staff and others from any kind of abuse that may arise.
A simple but effective measure that is employed in many hospitals around the globe are duress buttons beneath employee desks that can alert authorities or nearby security staff, should they feel threatened. The latter is another necessity on hospital payrolls as a qualified team of security professionals are invaluable for being on hand to deal with any swiftly unfolding conflict, as well as being able to monitor common entranceways to and from the building. Hospitals are busy places, seeing a large volume of people coming and going throughout the day, so it can be hard for hospital staff to monitor all visitors on top of their other duties. Security staff also serve as an effective deterrent for crime by virtue of their presence alone, which also doubles as a presence of reassurance for other visitors.
For more news updates, check out our May issue here.
Media contact
Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,
Editor, Security Portfolio
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
