Healthcare facilities must strike a balance between creating a secure facility and maintaining an open, welcoming environment, according to an article on the Outpatient Surgery website.
After a knife attack that killed two, The Good Shepherd Ambulatory Surgical Center in Longview, Texas, implemented many safety and security measures, including increased security rounds, keypad access on stairwells, RFID badge access to clinical areas and cameras with remote entry for access from the lobby.
Silver stickers on door frames indicate "safe room" designations. Panic buttons were installed in reception, registration, financial, counseling and scheduling areas.
Security radios have been placed in the scheduling office, medical records and lobby for immediate access to hospital security. All telephones have 911 and 9-911 access.
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