A sad predicament of the world today is that we are all more alert and aware of the fact that intruders are willing to enter healthcare establishments in order to commit an offence.
Their motivations can be varied – theft, terrorism, abduction or vandalism – these threats are real, and healthcare establishments have a duty of care to protect those for whom they are legally responsible.
Many security professionals in the healthcare industry already have, or are planning, to improve safety and security. This may include enhancing boundary fencing, upgrading access control security and intruder alarm systems, installing CCTV and embarking on educative programmes that warn patients, visitors, staff and other visitors of the risks of allowing unauthorised personnel into areas that have restricted access.
Because many healthcare buildings need to have open access public areas, when installing and maintaining their security alarm system, one of the key challenges Tecserv encounters is the need to balance the need for open access with the requirement to identify and verify authorised users and restrict them to areas where they are allowed to access.
As well as public areas, healthcare buildings will also have consultation and treatment rooms, storage facilities, kitchens, laboratories, operating theatres, car parks, IT and server rooms and staff nurseries or crèches. Each of these areas has its need to protect patient confidentiality, and the risks created should an unauthorised person be allowed to access them, especially if their intent is to inflict harm.
Our healthcare experience spans across a wide range of providers, from NHS hospital trusts, to out-patient centres, doctors surgeries, medical clinics, cosmetic surgeons, dentists, residential care homes, day care centres and other healthcare practitioners such as physiotherapy practices and wellness centres.
Ensuring that people, buildings and equipment are protected requires an effective healthcare building security alarm system for which users are fully trained, alarm systems that are regularly maintained and service inspections that are logged and documented.
A well-maintained system will ensure compliance with building safety regulations and also help to ensure the business passes CQC inspections with flying colours. Healthcare trustees and representatives need evidence that their security systems and processes are effective and will prevent unauthorised access to their premises.
These can include access control systems to ensure accurate recording of people entering and leaving a building as well as controlling access to restricted areas. We can install a wide range of access control options such as key card, fob, fingerprint, and biometric. CCTV is also a very good monitoring areas such as car parks and corridors and will certainly act as a deterrent for any potential vandalism.
We also help by suggesting ways to educate building users on the impact their behaviours can have on security. Leaving exit doors, fire doors or other limited access doors and windows open means anyone can enter, and sharing passes creates bad habits and reduces security.
At Tecserv we help to ensure regular planned maintenance and training takes place and that we help our healthcare clients to ensure that their intruder and access control systems support their security policies and procedures.
Please note Tecserv only operate within the United Kingdom – any work outside of this region cannot be considered.
