Superior patient care is the cornerstone of all world-class hospitals, but along with clinical excellence, medical facilities are focusing more energy toward mitigating security threats. The majority of hospitals and healthcare facilities are open 24 hours a day and home to a staggering volume of pedestrian traffic. Beyond the responsibility of keeping patients, visitors and personnel safe, the wealth of pharmaceuticals and costly medical equipment puts hospitals at increased risk of theft. Medical facilities must also acknowledge security threats from within their hired workforce. In 2010, a registered nurse in New Jersey pleaded guilty to stealing $300,000 worth of equipment from the hospital where she was employed with the intention of selling it online.
Maryland Security Professionals recognize the unique security challenges faced by the modern healthcare facility. Creating a secure hospital environment can not only deter workplace violence, assault and theft, it can play a crucial role in protecting people and valuable assets.
Let’s look at some key security strategies implemented by the healthcare industry.
1. Emergency Preparedness Plan
Instead of focusing ample time and resources responding to emergency incidents after the fact, have a comprehensive plan in place that focuses on prevention. This plan must be communicated to all levels of permanent and contracted staff. This includes policies for preventing workplace violence and having clear-cut protocols when it comes to threatening behavior, assaults and control access breaches.
2. Video Surveillance
Healthcare facilities rely on video surveillance to observe multiple locations and access points. The high-definition footage taken by these cameras can be stored for weeks and used as an investigative tool when reviewing a criminal incident. The data captured by video surveillance cameras for security can also prevent fraudulent lawsuits and used as evidence in a court of law.
3. License Plate Recognition (LPR) Technology
Cameras with license plate recognition technology are becoming increasingly prevalent in the healthcare environment. While LPR may not prevent unknown threats, this technology can identify prior offenders or terminated employees who may be disgruntled and on the property without valid reason. This security measure may help reduce incidents of workplace violence.
4. Ferromagnetic Detection Systems (FMDS)
FMDS screening systems are designed to detect ferrous objects, such as knives or other small, concealed weapons. This system utilizes sensors that detect disturbances in the earth’s magnetic field. Some behavioral health institutions are using this innovative technology in lieu of pat-downs or hand-held wands, as it is unobtrusive and doesn’t trigger anxiety in potentially violent patients.
Effective Hospital Security Solutions
Our country’s best hospitals are ones that have a reputation for being safe and providing exceptional patient care.
Call today to learn more about our security solutions for the healthcare industry, including hospital video surveillance systems, or to arrange a free security audit. The goal of a security audit or assessment is to identify organizational weaknesses (and strengths) in order to develop an effective and comprehensive plan. By looking at existing hospital security infrastructure, protocols and policies, Maryland Security Professionals can detect gaps and make customized recommendations.
We serve the entire Mid-Atlantic region, including Baltimore County, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington D.C.
Additional Resources on Hospital Security:
- Hospitals & Health Networks, Hospitals Commit to Tackling Growing Security Concerns https://www.hhnmag.com/articles/7711-hospitals-commit-to-growing-security-threats
- EHS Today, Protecting Safety, Preserving Peace: A New Standard in Mental Health Security Screening https://www.ehstoday.com/safety/protecting-safety-preserving-peace-new-standard-mental-health-security-screening