Security for Multi-Site Healthcare Facilities

Securing a multi-site healthcare facility is a major endeavor. There are regulations to comply with, dozens of restricted areas throughout facilities, and vulnerable assets that require protection: equipment, sensitive records, medical drugs, and human patients. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing an electronic security integrator for multi-site healthcare.

Diverse Monitoring Services 

When electronic security is implemented throughout multiple sites, centralized monitoring is the service that ties it all together. Monitoring patients is a great way to reduce liability; if a healthcare site services high-risk populations such as mental health patients, homeless or the elderly, then security monitoring can reduce the exposure to potentially damaging issues. One specific service, remote video monitoring, is a cost-effective way to monitor traffic when live guards are not in the budget.

Buildings spread out across a large healthcare property should be security monitored by a single source. The same provider that monitors the intelligent, searchable video surveillance can also monitor intrusion alarms; integration, which we will address next, should make this possible. As an additional managed service, remote video monitoring should be implemented in areas of the facility that are remote to visitors, restricted after hours, or populated by employees during breaks. Any area where the live security force cannot be present is a good candidate for remote video monitoring service. 

When electronic security is implemented throughout multiple sites, centralized monitoring is the service that ties it all together.

Integration Capability

All of the security deployments in a site should complement one another and work together seamlessly; that’s the idea behind integration. One example is the integration of video surveillance and access control systems. An access control system enables management to restrict specific areas of the property without the need for inconvenient, bulky keys. Instead, one convenient access card can be used for all clinics and sites. 

In an ideal configuration, every access control event would be accompanied by a timestamped video recording at the corresponding camera. In security breaches caused by “tailgating” (an unauthorized person following an authorized person into a restricted area when the door is held open), this would be used to verify that an unauthorized person (who lacks the required access control credentials) has entered the restricted area. That’s just one illustration that underscores the importance of integration; another is the integration of video surveillance and intruder alarms, which allow security guards to assess a threat before sending backup or notifying authorities. If integration of multiple technologies requires the replacement of any systems, a qualified security integrator should be able to perform the upgrade.

Adequate Credentialing

When it comes to access control, the backbone of the system is credentialing. A complete healthcare security plan will include ID badges or cards that users swipe at the access control point in order to enter restricted areas. These can be used in everywhere from patient rooms, to operating rooms, to high-risk condition wings, to maternity floors. Additional technology that can be used in these applications is a visitor management system; with so many people coming in and out, an electronic record of visitors is beyond helpful. 

For questions on electronic security for multi-site healthcare, including hospitals, health clinics and health agencies, contact POM Technologies. We look forward to speaking with you.

About POM Technologies

Peace Of Mind Technologies has delivered site-specific, cost-effective security solutions to facilities throughout the greater New York Metro area since 2002. We aren’t your average security company, with a wide range of equipment and services for building security. New York facilities can contact us at (212) 688-2767 or info@pom-tec.com to request a free security analysis, or reach out via the contact form below.