Modern technology could be the key to healthier hospital security
A Hospital is Like a Small City
Nurses and other healthcare professionals in the US are four times more likely to be injured on the job than the workforce average which is just one aspect to consider around hospital security and safety. The primary concern of a hospital is keeping its patients and employees safe. It must also keep prescription medication, valuable equipment and patient information secure, all while making patients and visitors feel welcome.
The Difficulty of Hospital Security
Hospitals face a difficult predicament when securing their campus because they must be sensitive to the needs of patients and visitors while protecting their assets. The feeling of overbearing security would make patients and visitors feel unwelcome, while too little security would be inviting problems. Striking the proper balance is difficult, but not impossible. Modern technology used by well-informed employees can help resolve this difficulty. Here are a few tips for improving security while decreasing its interference with everyday operations…
1) Formulate a Plan
Having the latest technology is only effective if staff and the security team follow protocols. Create a plan for keeping your hospital secure, including any updates that are needed. This plan should include upkeep or maintenance of electronic security systems and computer networks as well as emergency procedures. Then communicate these plans to employees. Stress the importance of following procedures and why these measures keep people and information safer.
2) Update Authorization
Technology alone will not solve all security problems, but when managed correctly it can be a huge factor. In hospitals, it is slow for staff and unwelcoming to visitors to be met by a series of locked doors everywhere they go. Traditional locks or outdated access control systems are not as secure, quick or inviting as modern alternatives. Modern systems allow monitoring of who goes where and permissions can be changed any time. These systems should be updated immediately when an employee leaves or permissions change. Give access only where it’s needed.
3) Integrate Systems (and use them effectively)
The security of a hospital depends on the individual parts working in harmony. Especially in a large hospital with several buildings, keeping track of all electronic security system components is quite a task. When there is an incident, security personnel need to be able to access all relevant information quickly. Having cameras, access control systems and alarm systems working together makes for a quicker, more thorough response.
Mickey Watson, head of security and emergency preparedness at Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System, explains how complex hospital security can be. He says, “Anything that can happen in a city can happen here.” This mindset highlights the need for a rigorous security setup that safeguards the people and assets at a hospital.
Learn more about how System Surveyor can help you manage your security system.
