Health Care Facility Security
Virtually all hospitals are equipped with surveillance systems to ensure safety. However, in today’s world, surveillance systems are sometimes not enough. Hiring private hospital security guards can help address threats more immediately than surveillance cameras.
Dealing with physical violence
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), health and social care workers are at significant risk of work-related violence. Over the years, the rate of physical violence in hospitals has increased. Whether patients or visitors, hospital workers are often subjected to threats or assaults. The presence of hospital security officer deters potential perpetrators from committing such acts, as they know they are likely to be caught.
Security staff is trained to patrol the hospital and identify any threats or potential security risks. They can identify thieves or vandals, notice suspicious packages, or spot trip hazards in the building. They can mitigate these problems to protect the hospital building and its residents.
Alleviating Disorderly Conduct
Violence is always a concern, but even non-violent disorderly behaviour can have consequences. If patients or visitors are acting up or aggressive, they need to be calmed down. If there is no hospital security guard present, this responsibility lies with the doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff. If staff is focused on dealing with unruly visitors, they will have less time and energy for treating patients.
Preventing Property Damage
Severely injured or mentally ill patients may experience a range of emotions that can lead to aggression. If an argument breaks out or a patient becomes unruly, they may accidentally damage hospital property. In a hospital, a single machine can cost up to $500.00 – a risk not worth taking. Hiring hospital security guards help to calm the patient down as soon as the nursing staff notices his agitation and prevents damage to property if possible.
Protecting the Hospital's Reputation
A healthcare security officer stays on the premises to deal with any situation as soon as it arises. In this way, he or she can protect the hospital’s reputation by ensuring that everyone in the area knows how and when the hospital will respond to tense situations. All patients, visitors, and medical staff will know that the security officer will be there to solve any problem before it can escalate. Prompt service keeps the hospital’s reputation intact.
Improved access control
Most hospitals have restricted access areas, such as medical records rooms, medication rooms, operating rooms, research areas, and more. These areas usually require a key card to gain access. When you integrate your access control system into a fully integrated security system, access control is combined with alarms and cameras. If an unauthorized person tries to gain access, healthcare facility security can be alerted immediately, either by an alarm or notification. The cameras can also be programmed to track people who enter restricted areas, even if they are authorized to do so, to ensure maximum protection and ideal monitoring capabilities.
Consistency builds confidence
When hospital staff feels safe at work, they can focus fully on patient care. Knowing that there are consistent procedures that are supported by the entire organization builds confidence that their safety is our priority. And if your staff need to go elsewhere for training, meetings, or to cover an open shift, they already know the safety procedures.