Rethinking Security in the COVID-19 Era

MD Anderson improved hospital’s pandemic response with access control, visitor management and video surveillance

By By Dan Hounsell


Healthcare facilities managers sifting through the fallout from COVID-19’s impact have had to revisit almost every aspect of their operations. Though probably not at the top of the priority list for many managers, security is becoming increasingly important for managers trying to more effectively control and protect their facilities.

From employees working remotely to staff illnesses to personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages to security threats, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on hospitals.

Recently, Ray Gerwitz, executive director and deputy chief security officer at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, described the way his organization was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Campus Safety.

MD Anderson and Gerwit’s security department improved the hospital’s response to the pandemic with access control, visitor management and video surveillance technology.

One approach to access control was MD Anderson’s creation of a so-called moat between clinical and academic areas of campus. The hospital also secured the supply chain and storage of PPE.



March 23, 2021


Topic Area: Security


Recent Posts

Safety Synergy: Infection Prevention That Protects Patients and Workers

For environmental services managers, the central message is that cleaning and disinfection should be governed through an integrated systems approach.


Prefabricated Wall Panels Speed UCF Lake Nona Medical Center Construction

StoPanel systems helped the project meet Florida’s wind-load and impact requirements while supporting a fast, safe exterior installation.


New Dallas Pediatric Campus Reaches Topping-Out Milestone

Projected to open in 2031, the campus will expand inpatient, surgical and ambulatory capacity.


Hospitals Are Energy Super-Users. Why Is It So Hard to Modernize Them?

Managers face the ongoing challenge of finding a practical way to fund improvements while competing with capital priorities.


Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bangor Officially Opens

Encompass Health Bangor is the company’s first wholly owned hospital in Maine.


 
 


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.