Protecting state-of-the-art equipment and confidential patient information has become increasingly important to hospitals and healthcare providers across the country. The latest commercial healthcare security systems protect sensitive patient information, the safety of patients and staff members while simultaneously guarding against the theft of controlled substances, pharmaceutical inventories, and highly specialized and expensive equipment.
A well-conceived commercial security system will:
- Make your medical staff and healthcare administrators feel safe
- Ensure the safety of volunteers, patients, and family members
- Be user-friendly and easy-to-use
- Be backed by excellent customer service and technological support
- Offer custom solutions to fit your facility and your stakeholders’ needs
- Deliver high value
Security Risk Assessment
Working with a commercial security provider to determine highly tailored and scalable solutions. A company that’s willing to conduct a comprehensive security risk assessment will help healthcare security teams to identify critical needs, prioritize risks, and develop a clear hospital security program that reduces risk to a manageable level.
Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Monitoring
From daytime HD CCTV and HD IP (internet protocol) cameras to infrared cameras for night time surveillance, video surveillance helps protect patients and assets from harm or theft. Strategically placed cameras can monitor public areas inside the hospital or healthcare facility as well as outside, providing security teams with the coverage and high-quality images they need to help ensure safety throughout all non-private areas.
On-demand Hospital Staff Protection and Panic Buttons
Wireless pendant systems or individual panic buttons addresses staff safety concerns such as walking to cars late at night and the overall safety of employees, particularly those who work in high-risk areas such as the ER or psychiatric units. These systems are also the perfect solution for residential facilities or assisted living communities.
Lighting, Intrusion Detection, and Access Points
The fundamentals of <aclass=”aa” href=”https://herringtechnology.com//news/securing-the-physical-perimeter-part-2-what-you-need-to-know-about-lighting-intrusion-detection-and-access-points/”>lighting, intrusion detection and close monitoring of key access points are important components to any hospital and healthcare security system. Targeted and strategically placed lighting sources both deter possible criminal activity, detect unexpected intrusions, and help keep staff and patients safe.
Zoned Access Control
Zoned access control helps to protect hospitals from external threats and meet the needs of hospitals in today’s ever-changing world. Zoned access controls also help secure sensitive areas such as maternity wards, emergency departments, and intensive care unit. Prescription medications, medical supplies, and other high-value items can also be protected with zoned access control. Not only that, but zoning also helps keep your facility HIPAA compliant (Health Facilities Management).
Biometric Readers in Hospitals<//strong>
Biometrics help hospitals remain compliant to government regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Using fingerprint authentication methods, only those who are authorized to do so can access patient information. Both patients and healthcare professionals can feel secure and confident about the use of biometric identification systems.
Becker’s Hospital Review writes, “The biometric identification system uses infrared light to scan the palm, and then links the palm vein patterns to each patient’s EHR. Palm vein patterns are a unique biometric identifier and do not change over one’s lifetime. Providers can use the scan for subsequent registrations. The tool is also helpful in situations when a patient comes to the hospital unconscious or unable to communicate. ‘This simple scanning and identification process improves our patient experience,’ said Reeve Wall, director of patient financial services at Florida Hospital Waterman, in a statement.”
Shooter Detection Systems
Unfortunately, the threat of terror attacks on hospitals and healthcare facilities is increasing. To protect staff and patients, shooter detection systems such as the Guardian Indoor Active Shooter Detection System can instantaneously detect gunshots using acoustic gunshot identification software and infrared gunfire flash detection. The system relays location information immediately, integrates with security systems to call up video surveillance, initiates lockdown procedures, and sends mass notification alerts.
Lockdown Solutions
The American College of Emergency Physicians notes that “Establishing a secure perimeter and the routing of foot and vehicular traffic to control entry/exit points that are staffed by security and/or hospital personnel are key elements in controlling and maintaining the integrity of the facility and its surrounding perimeter.” When facilities work with commercial security providers they can rest assured that their lock down protocols are clear and respond appropriately to a variety of emergency scenarios.
Herring Technology offers market leading healthcare security solutions. Contact us to learn more.
