By Mackenna Moralez, Associate Editor

CHRISTUS Health announced that its security officers will now wear body cameras to further prevent violence within its facilities. 

"CHRISTUS Health strives to provide its security team with industry-leading and innovative de-escalation devices and training to ensure the health and wellbeing of every patient, guest, employee or care practitioner that enters one of our centers," says Roy E. Alston, vice president of security and public safety at CHRISTUS Health. "By leveraging Axon body-worn cameras, we are confident that we have the adequate technology and resources to deter and de-escalate incidents with the goal of making CHRISTUS Health the safest place of care in the communities we serve." 

The hospital is not the first to increase security measures due to the increase in violence against its employees. Southwestern Vermont Healthcare has created a new policy that is widely posted throughout its campus prohibiting acts of abuse against its employees.  In addition, Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association (MHA)’s Board of Trustees endorsed the United Code of Conduct Principles, which include measures to promote a safe and respectful environment, examples of what potential violations look like, proposed consequences for the violations and recommendations for maintaining the principles long term.   

Meanwhile, Duke University Health System hospitals recently installed weapon detection systems at the main public entrances at each of its hospitals. In recent months the health system has enhanced the security presence at key hospital and clinic locations; provided additional emergency alert support to care teams; posted signage that aggressive behavior will not be tolerated; trained staff on de-escalation tactics; and made fewer entrances accessible to visitors, among other measures. 

CHRISTUS Health will be outfitting security team members at all U.S. acute care health centers with Axon body-worn cameras as a part of an ongoing commitment to workplace violence prevention and providing a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors. 

Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor of the facilities market.