Healthcare facilities require safety and security to function smoothly. Security also helps them provide quality service. Being a healthcare security guard is an important job. It is also a rewarding career. However, healthcare facilities have many areas that need to be secure. This blog will discuss the key areas that need security.
Areas That Require Security in Healthcare Facility
Security patrols have some rules and checkpoints to protect an area effectively. Similarly, there are some areas in healthcare facilities that need critical security, including:
1. Inpatient Facility
Inpatient facilities include the public and private units of a hospital, where the patient is admitted for a night or more. These areas are busy. Patients, employees, and visitors often crowd these areas. Therefore, they might need high-risk security. Hence, security service companies should ask their client about this area’s foot traffic. Moreover, getting familiar with the layout might help too.
2. Emergency Department
The emergency department serves patients who need immediate care and attention. Therefore, this area might have a lot of chaos. Hence, the security needs to show empathy. They also need to maintain order as a calming presence. Thus, they must be familiar with internal and external points for all operations. This way, everyone can find where they need to go quickly.
3. Pharmacy
Pharmacies store medicinal drugs, including narcotics and controlled substances. This puts them at risk of theft. Hence, physical security is essential to avoid missing products or worse situations.
4. Areas with Infants or Pediatric Patients
Infants and pediatric patients need to be in a secured area. Video monitoring, access control, trained staff, and response planning can help prevent any potential risks. For instance, infant abduction. Thus, it is critical to be on alert and guard these areas.
5. Cash Collection Areas
Cashiers and cash collection areas store money. This puts them in the spotlight for possible thefts. Internal theft like patient or visitor robbery is also a risk. Security services should know about their healthcare client’s collection, transportation, and money storage protocols for better protection.
6. Behavioral & Mental Health Area
These areas might contain patients in aggressive conditions. Violence is a possibility here. Therefore, they require security protocols suited to their needs and one that can safeguard everyone.
7. Protecting Patient’s Health Information
Many times, hospitals have confidential healthcare information about their patients. It is vital to keep that information protected, no matter what. Using physical and digital safety measures to protect this information can be helpful.
8. Areas with Radiation or Biological & Chemical Materials
These areas often store hazardous materials, which can increase health risks. Therefore, storing and handling them correctly is important. A security service provider should get familiar with their client’s management and needs for maintaining these areas.
What is The Takeaway?
Healthcare security has a vital role. Healthcare is a sensitive facility with many areas that need special protection. Hence, the security guards should know all the essential ins and outs to perform their job effectively. At Western Eagle Security, we offer security services to our clients, including healthcare facilities. Contact us at 281 496 6800.