You might think hospitals are the last place where crimes would take place, but don’t be fooled. Most healthcare facilities report crimes happening right under their noses. In fact, around 75% of hospital executives claim that maintaining hospital security has become extremely hard in the current years.
Be it in terms of patient-staff welfare or following the code of conduct, hospital security is a crucial factor in today’s time. It is vital to implement strict security protocols to maintain peace and orderliness around the clock, especially in a place responsible for one’s health and well-being.
Do Hospitals Need Security?
The idea of secure premises is not just a want for hospitals but, in fact, a need. Healthcare facilities face various day-to-day issues with the recent increase in crime rates. Inexperienced staff cannot bat off an aggravated patient or be on the inventory lookout, not when they have their own duties to upkeep.
Plus, with the common hustle and bustle inside a hospital, there is no guarantee when a threat might arise. In addition, as important as it is to keep the inside of the facility safe, it is just as essential to secure outside parameters. For instance, the parking lot or back entrances, etc.
Why is Hospital Security Important?
Hospital security is crucial for many reasons, but some of the major grounds for these protocols are:
- Monitoring Access Points
Every hospital has multiple entry and exit points. In most cases, admission to certain wards or rooms requires strict monitoring. A security guard can take care of these sensitive areas and ensure they are not under threat. Places like the emergency room, outpatient department, ICU ward, covid department, etc., are critical access points a guard can keep an eye on. - Maintaining Orderliness
Most healthcare facilities have wide parking lots divided into several sections. These separate zones keep the patient’s and staff’s vehicles from mixing up. Not to mention, ambulances, too, get their own spot. However, many blind spots can emerge due to the large space, leading to safety concerns. Because of this, CCTV cameras are necessary, but so are security guards who can take action in real-time, if needed. - Preventing Equipment Theft
It’s no secret that healthcare facilities have a dedicated area to store medicines and other key equipment. Although these places require high-level security to access, hacking into the storage room might not be so difficult with zero surveillance. This is precisely why tight security can prevent cases of missing drugs and equipment. - Keeping Aggresive Visitors or Patients in Control
Humans tend to feel intense emotions. Although most of us are able to control our reactions, there are people who aren’t as well-adapted. Be it a surge of emotions, anger, or sentiments; some visitors can get aggressive really fast. This can lead to tantrums or outbursts that could be difficult for the staff to contain. An experienced security guard can come to the rescue and calm the person down or escort them out of the facility if required. - Fending off Child Abduction
According to the reports of JCAHO (Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations), almost 50% of child abduction cases occur in hospitals. Having security guards surveil pediatric wards and nurseries will help ensure the kids stay safe. Moreover, before anyone can set foot in the wing, people entering will have to hand over their ID cards and state their relationship with the child they want to visit. Furthermore, a staff member will be present to supervise the visit.
What’s The Verdict?
Ensuring proper security protocols is a necessity for all kinds of healthcare facilities. Hiring trained and experienced guards can help maintain the overall sense of orderliness and safety of a hospital. Nonetheless, for more information, contact WE Security at (713) 703-9385.