Hospitals are unique in that unidentified visitors are entering the building 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Additionally, the building houses millions of dollars worth of valuable equipment. This combination creates unique security needs in hospitals, leaving those in charge constantly looking for new ways to improve security. We’ve compiled a list of tips to help hospitals improve their security measures to help keep employees, patients, and visitors safe.

1. Access Control

Most hospitals have restricted section in which visitors are not allowed. A great way to keep these areas secure is to install access control, requiring keycards to enter the area, This keyless entry can be programmed into hospital ID badges, eliminating the need for extra equipment. Access control can grant access to different people at different times of day and can turn off entry at any time. You can also use access control to track access if there is ever an issue in a restricted area.

2. Visitor Screening

A great way to improve security in a hospital is to have a screening process for visitors. You should require visitors to check in at entrances and have a check-in person and security officers posted at every entrance. When visitors check in, you can monitor for suspicious activity and keep track of any suspicious visitors. If anyone who shouldn’t be in the hospital attempts to enter, your security officers can handle the problem. Screening your visitors is a great way to keep track of everyone going in and out and keep everyone safe.

3. Security Officers

Most hospitals already have security officers, but they might not be making full use of them. You should post security officers strategically, making sure to have them posted at every entrance and in areas of high traffic. You should also have security officers monitor restricted areas and particularly volatile areas. In addition to the security officers posted in strategic areas, you should have some patrolling the hospital to ensure that every area is covered.

4. Integrate Your Security System

One of the best ways to improve security in a hospital is to integrate the security system, emergency alarms and systems, and access control. When your security system is properly integrated, all of your systems can work together in the event of an emergency. Access control can seal off areas in an emergency or unseal exits in case of a fire. Alarms can be integrated to properly notify all personnel during an emergency. When your system is well integrated, you are more prepared for an emergency.

5. Have a Security Risk Assessment

If you’re looking to improve the security of your hospital, one of the best things you can do is to have a security risk assessment. During the assessment, a professional from a security company will come in and evaluate your current system. They will help you adjust your security camera placement to ensure maximum coverage. They can identify which aspects of your system are effective and which aspects are not. The assessor will also identify any vulnerable areas to help you improve security in these areas. A security risk assessment will not only help you evaluate your current security system, but it will yield the best suggestions to make adjustments to your system to improve security.

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When it comes to the security of your building, it's best not to leave it up to chance. Be sure that you have made every effort possible to keep your property, employees, and visitors well protected. If you have any concerns, you should consider having your security measures evaluated by a reputable company.