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

Cooling Towers at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln Test Positive for Legionella

Hospital among the positive tests at 10 cooling towers in South Bronx.


Prefabricated Wall Panels Accelerate UCF Lake Nona Medical Center Construction

Case study: StoPanel exterior wall systems helped Wal-Mark Contracting meet strict Florida wind-load requirements and complete 136 panels in just 11 days.


University of Rhode Island Adds Clinical Space

Space dedicated to training students in counseling-related programs doubles in size.


How Retail Design Principles Can Improve Healthcare Wayfinding

Healthcare facilities are adopting retail-inspired design strategies to make spaces easier to navigate and more comfortable for patients.


Flexible Design Strategies Help OhioHealth Maximize Clinical Space

Doing more with less was key to the renovated facility’s design.


 
 


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.