By Ken Bukowski/ Special to Healthcare Facilities Today

For all hospital stakeholders, understanding the relationship between site security and safety and the overall building design is important. Whether a medical campus is constructing a new facility, or a building is being remodeled, it is important for security teams to weigh in on safety design early in the process.

There are a number of design elements that can impact the safety and security of staff, patients and visitors. While there are many focus areas of the design process, the security team should assist the design team with ensuring safety of the following:

• Hospital assets including medications and private information

• All individuals within the interior of the facility 

• Property in relation to threats and vulnerabilities including weather situations

It is also important to remember the design of the exterior of buildings including parking areas, common areas and landscaping. Ensuring each space has proper lighting, surveillance and safety measures in place will enhance the campus’ overall safety and security.

Once a facility is built, or a remodel is complete, the security team can assist by conducting ongoing inspections to help ensure proper procedures are followed and continuous improvements are made. A security team that understands their role in making certain that hallways are clear, visitors are escorted to the proper areas, and staff is supported is essential to meeting safety and security goals.

If your campus is looking to build or renovate internally or externally, remember to involve your security team in each step of the design process. They will be able to provide great insight and knowledge to help ensure security measures are present from the start.

“Crime Prevention through Environmental Design” and "Security Design Guidelines for Healthcare Facilities” by the International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety are great resources for site design and security.

A balance between the facility’s security and safety goals and the other design objectives and needs of the campus can be attained with a collaborate effort. By understanding all design considerations, such as accessibility, preservation, sustainability and security, all needs can be met. 

Bukowski is the vice president of healthcare, AlliedBarton Security Services