In addition to all the normal security concerns faced by businesses of every type, healthcare security systems are called upon to meet a variety of unique challenges, from protecting sensitive medical records and the privacy of patients to keeping tabs on big-ticket items like medical equipment and pharmaceutical inventories. Healthcare facilities also operate under a rigorous network of regulations and oversight, which needs to be taken into account when implementing commercial alarm systems for healthcare facilities in Kansas City or anywhere across the country.
Healthcare facilities face many of the same commercial security challenges as any other business, from detecting unwanted intruders to minimizing losses from theft or damage. But because the population of a healthcare facility is often uniquely vulnerable—not to mention constantly changing, with new patients and visitors coming and going, sometimes at all hours—commercial alarm systems for healthcare facilities require more robust solutions when it comes to things like premise access control to help ensure that visitors can get where they need to go, and that patient areas stay secure both from without and from within.
Healthcare security systems are also faced with the important task of keeping patients, visitors, and staff safe from incidents involving potentially hazardous materials such as blood-borne pathogens and hazardous chemicals, not to mention deterring theft of high-risk assets such as pharmaceuticals and keeping up on regulations regarding the storage of sensitive patient information. Commercial alarm systems for healthcare facilities must also take into consideration the complexities of a healthcare facility’s infrastructure, including everything from cash collection and checkout areas to emergency departments, administration offices, inpatient facilities, storage and warehouse areas, on-site pharmacies, and more. There are also areas that require special security precautions such as chemical, biological, or radiation zones.
For all of these reasons, healthcare facilities are often held to a higher standard than other businesses when it comes to security, and a comprehensive healthcare security plan should be designed with the help of a reliable commercial security company to take into account the specific needs and challenges of each particular facility.
A few of the approaches that should go into just about all healthcare security systems include: a closed-circuit video surveillance system backed by DVR, along with video verification services where they’re appropriate; access controls via HID card and Securitron products including electromagnetic locks; digital entry systems; long-range wireless security system options, such as the DSC Power Series NEO, for difficult-to-wire areas; and of course, 24/7 monitoring. Using an integrated system, installed and maintained by a commercial security company, gives facility managers comprehensive access to security data and allows them to work more effectively to meet the security goals of the entire facility.
Healthcare facilities also face additional challenges that many security system providers cannot cover entirely on their own, such as fire safety solutions, physical security, and emergency mass notification systems. These are all integral parts of a complete healthcare security system, and should be built into the overall plan for a facility. While most commercial security providers don’t also provide these services, they can help facility managers to find reliable sources that do, and ensure that they are integrated into a complete healthcare security package.
To learn more about commercial security systems in Kansas City, browse our website, read our blog, or call A-TEC Security at (913) 208-8885.