CTV News Montreal

Security reviewed after newborn abduction

The abduction of a day-old baby from a Quebec hospital has raised questions about hospitals' security measures


The abduction of a day-old baby from a Quebec hospital has raised questions about hospitals' security measures, according to an article on the News Montreal website.

While an in-hospital abduction by a stranger is extremely rare, safety measures are in place at hospitals in an effort to protect vulnerable newborns, the article said.

Nurses and doctors wear name tags with photos, while cameras monitor the maternity ward, along with hospital entrance and exit doors. There's also a special code in place in the event that a baby goes missing.

In this case of the missing Quebec newborn — who was recovered — police had a clear image of the suspect, thanks to hospital security cameras and a description of vehicle.

Quebec's Health Minister Gaetan Barrette said future security measures at hospitals could include placing electronic tracking bracelets on newborns.

“That's a possibility. This is something that we'll address and analyze if we can do that. This is obviously something quite simple and it does the job,” he said.

He is also asking hospitals to review their security protocols in an effort to ensure nothing like this happens again.

Read the article.

 



June 5, 2014


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Regulations Take the Lead in Healthcare Restroom Design

Infection-control guidance and water management standards drive earlier planning, smarter fixtures and more resilient restroom environments.


AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital Opens Expanded Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit

Construction began in July 2025 and included 12 new inpatient rehabilitation beds, bringing the unit’s total to 29.


HSHS and Lifepoint Rehabilitation Partner on New Inpatient Rehab Hospital in Green Bay

The 40-bed hospital will be named the Hospital Sisters Health System | Rehabilitation Hospital.


Turning Facility Data Into ROI: Where Healthcare Leaders Should Start

Better data, smarter tools and small facility upgrades can drive measurable returns, guide ambulatory strategy and improve patient experience.


Sutter Health Breaks Ground on Advanced Cancer Center and Care Complex

The new center, located on Sutter’s Memorial Medical Center campus, will feature four stories and 165,000 square feet of modernized, patient-centered space.


 
 


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.