It’s a sad fact that medical facilities are often the target of anti-social behavior, ranging from exchanges of hostile words right through to the horror of a terror attack. Indeed, medical workers are amongst the worst off for incidences of workplace violence, mainly through interactions with patients, but also those of colleagues, other workers, and visitors to the location.
Because of this, stringent security measures need to protect everyone who enters the facility, be it a small doctor’s surgery or the largest of regional hospitals.
In addition, it’s necessary to carry out regular re-assessments of existing provisions to ensure that the security is as effective as it can be. The most secure of facilities take advantage of a combination of the following, with bespoke systems being put in place after a thorough risk assessment is carried out by a professional security company.
- Video surveillance: An integral part of large clinic and hospital security, the use of video can also be advantageous in smaller locations. Video surveillance and CCTV allows staff to monitor multiple patients, as well as allowing dedicated security personnel to view any potentially risky situations. There’s also the option of having a dedicated off-site security service employed solely to effectively monitor the cameras.
- Intelligent video monitoring: In addition to the above, intelligent monitoring software provides a further level of camera-based safety. This utilizes various algorithms to analyze and detect suspicious patterns of behavior, instantly alerting guards or those in the vicinity of a potential situation.
- Access control systems: These are an essential aspect of healthcare security, meaning that only those authorized can enter certain areas (especially important in locations where controlled drugs are on the premises) and those who do are logged as to when and where. These can be tailored to individual needs, from access cards to electronic locks, turnstiles, or even biometrics where necessary.
- Security guards: The physical presence of security guards is a highly effective deterrent to anti-social behavior. In large hospital and clinic facilities they’re an essential element of security. Behind the scenes guards are also beneficial and can be quickly deployed should an incident occur.
- Information security: In addition to physical security, data security is also a major risk. Medical files contain sensitive material, making it essential that effective strategies are in place and that all staff are constantly updated as to optimal practices to safeguard such information.
The one aspect that’s unique to medical facilities is the need for stringent security, yet managing to retain a welcoming environment for those who enter. This is best achieved through the expertise of a leading security company such as Fast Guard Service. Their world-leading solutions protect some of the premier healthcare, corporate, and domestic facilities around the globe.
Small or large, bespoke systems are the key to patient, staff, and visitor security, and something necessary for all such facilities to give their utmost on-going attention.