Hospitals are some of the busiest places, which also makes them incredibly dangerous without the right security measures.
Hospital administrators are always looking for ways to make hospitals more secure for staff and patients. By implementing multiple security measures, it’s easier to ensure everyone stays safer.
In a place where most people are focused on saving lives and getting better, it’s important to make sure they don’t have to worry about their own safety.
1. Increase Surveillance
The first step is to increase surveillance. All waiting rooms, the emergency room, hallways, entrances/exits, parking lots and any other public areas should be monitored at all times.
Posting a notice that the area is being monitored helps to deter many threats. For optimal security, use cameras that can be remotely re-positioned as needed to see different angles. For instance, if someone reports someone suspicious, it would be impossible for them to stay out of sight of the cameras if a remote guard is able to change the angle at any time.
2. Secure Parking Areas
Parking lots are one of the biggest security risks at your hospital. They usually have less security, which makes them a target for criminals. Not only do they try to steal cars, wallets and purses, but they also know patients are coming out with prescriptions.
It’s vital to ensure your parking areas are well lit, monitored with cameras and even patrolled by on-site security staff. If possible, having the lot blocked off with gates helps.
3. Limit Available Entrances/Exits
While hospitals should have ample emergency exits, they don’t need numerous entrances and exits all over the hospital. The more you have, the harder it is to secure them all.
For staff only entrances, create electronic entryways that only open with the correct keycard, passcode or even biometric login. For non-essential entrances and exits, turn those into emergency-only exits that sound an alarm when opened.
4. Monitor IDs At Entrances
In a hectic environment, it’s hard to always know who is coming and going. Outside of the emergency room, ensure someone is checking IDs at the entrances.
This prevents criminals from posing as doctors. It also keeps family and friends from sneaking into areas they shouldn’t be in. This one is trickier to implement in hospitals, but it can work in some areas.
5. Increase On-Site Security Staff
Doctors, nurses and patients aren’t exactly focused on the environment around them. They’re not watching for suspicious activity. They’re not constantly checking to see if someone’s sneaking in to steal patients’ medications.
They’re all too busy with their daily tasks and dealing with illnesses. This is where an increase in on-site security staff helps. Have security guards available on each floor, around the perimeter and around parking areas. It should be easy for staff, patients and even visitors to contact security staff should they notice anything out of the ordinary.
6. Use Drones Outside
Drones might not be your first thought when it comes to increasing hospital security. However, they’re ideal for keeping an eye on rooftops and outdoor areas where patients, staff and visitors congregate.
They’re also ideal in emergency situations to help guards keep track of security threats so they can get everyone to safety easier.
7. Implement Electronic Entrances
Many hospitals use electronic entrances throughout the hospital. Even in emergency rooms, there is a general waiting area, but electronic doors that block access to the main ER and hospital. Once you’re approved to go in, the doors open.
This allows hospitals to better monitor who comes and goes. It also makes it easier on security staff too.
8. Use Remote Guarding 24/7
Having security cameras isn’t helpful if they’re not being monitored. Using remote guarding services ensures your cameras are monitored 24/7. Not only does this keep staff, patients and visitors safe, but it also helps you discover if any staff are stealing or treating patients badly.
Bonus: Consider Architecture
While this doesn’t always help with existing hospitals, those undergoing a remodel or building a new site should consider implementing security within the architecture. For instance, in some new hospital designs, certain areas use bulletproof glass to protect staff.
Contact BOS Security
Making hospitals more secure is in the best interest of everyone. Contact us today at 404-793-6965 to learn more about how security services and how they help keep your hospital safer.
Uncover some of your hospital’s underlying vulnerabilities by taking advantage of our free Security Needs Assessment to find out today.
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