You’ve likely noticed a security presence when visiting a hospital or other medical facility. With heavy foot traffic and many visitors, healthcare facilities can be targets for criminal activity. Fortunately, a security presence plays a major role in deterring crime. And having security officers at healthcare facilities like hospitals, clinics, assisted living facilities and retirement homes provides many benefits in addition to asset protection.
Security officers at healthcare facilities are involved in a wide variety of areas key to operations, including:
-
Access control
Security officers at healthcare facilities check guests in and out, ensuring that they know who is in the facility and for how long. They also secure and monitor entries and access points to restricted areas, and monitor video surveillance and alarm systems.
-
Customer service
A security officer at a healthcare facility may be the first employee a visitor sees, and is in a perfect position to deliver customer service. Whether a visitor needs to find a patient’s room, would like directions to nearby restaurants, or needs an escort to a vehicle late at night, a security professional provides prompt, courteous service. The officer is also trained in emergency response, including first aid, CPR and use of an AED.
-
Property management
Since security professionals will be inside and outside the facility every day on patrols, they’ll be able to see when something on the property is amiss. This includes issues like burnt-out lightbulbs, broken fences, equipment that is not working properly or abandoned vehicles. Security officers at healthcare facilities can alert the appropriate parties to get these items taken care of.
-
Fire Watch
Healthcare facilities are full of electrical and flammable equipment, and a dedicated Fire Watch is a valuable asset. In Oregon, if fire protection systems are down for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period, a building must either be evacuated or have an approved fire watch until the system is back up and running. Other municipalities have similar requirements. Security officers at healthcare facilities are thus essential for fire safety.
When utilizing a security service for a healthcare facility, you’re getting much more than trained officers. You’re getting well-rounded professionals who can fill a variety of roles and assist with the overall efficiency of your healthcare facility.
