Can there be too much hospital security?

Facilities question whether their security plans are enough - or too much


After recent incidents, healthcare facilities are questioning whether their security plans are enough — or too much, according to an article on the Fierce Healthcare website.

A November study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, said that increased violence prevention efforts by hospitals will save lives — and money. And "even if the intervention cost a little more than it saved in dollars and cents to the healthcare system, there would still be a net benefit in terms of the violence it prevented," Jonathan Purtle, Ph.D., one of the study authors, said.

Some feel that adding extra security measures such as metal detectors or even a hospital-specific police force would send the wrong message to patients.

Despite a recent violent incident, the Exodus Mental Health Urgent Care Center in California does not provide its guards with weapons and doesn't plan to, according to the L.A. Daily News. It also doesn't use metal detectors because the agency wants the facility to feel "warm and homelike." 

Read the article.

 

 



February 2, 2015


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Legionella Detected at Michigan Health Facility

Case follows a similar finding of Legionnaires’ disease in a former patient.


Crystal Spring Tower Opens at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital

The new cardiovascular institute improves access and care across the region.


Hospital Evacuation Highlights Importance of Emergency Preparedness

Berger Hospital was evacuated after smoke was discovered in the basement.


Building a Culture of Infection Prevention

Investing in infection prevention can benefit healthcare organizations and patient outcomes.


Ground Broken on Sanford Health Fargo's Peltier Lodge

The 28,400-square-foot facility will feature spaces to support patients and loved ones during treatment and throughout their outpatient care and monitoring.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.