Even though the technological advances available through IP video surveillance are significant, entirely retrofitting an existing surveillance installation with the technology can be cost prohibitive for most healthcare facilities. The answer to capturing the benefit while mitigating the cost is through hybrid systems that marry existing analog equipment with new IP equipment, says an article in Campus Safety magazine.
Video surveillance becomes increasingly important as crimes increase in hospitals and medical centers. Certain crimes, such as homicides and assaults, increased by 300 percent from 2005 to 2010, according to a Joint Commission report cited. The emergency department is especially vulnerable to crime and violence due to the population it serves, which includes a higher percentage of mental health patients or those under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Hybrid video systems allow more costly IP assets to be deployed where they count, while legacy analog equipment can be redeployed to lower priority areas. A hybrid system can combine analog and IP video inputs, can be scaled to hundreds of cameras, and improves the controllability of individual cameras. Hybrid systems also make it easier to scale up or down, as the security needs of the campus shift, says the article.
Read the article.

Surveillance system hybrids can stretch healthcare facility security dollars
Hybrid video surveillance systems capture the benefit of IP while mitigating the cost.
By Healthcare Facilities Today
April 9, 2013
Topic Area: Safety
Recent Posts
Healthcare Designs That Prioritize Patient and Provider Experiences
From office flow to biophilic design, designers need to create an atmosphere where patients feel welcome and comfortable.
University of Utah Receives $75 Million Gift for New Hospital and Medical Campus
The multi-specialty health clinic is scheduled to be completed in 2028, with hospital rooms expected in 2029.
How to Future-Proof Healthcare Facilities for EV Charging Integration
EV charging represents a significant investment, making it essential to carefully plan how charging stations can be incorporated.
33 Percent of Healthcare IT Professionals Concerned About Data Breaches
Cyberattacks remain a threat to healthcare facilities.
HSHS Announces Expansion and Remodeling of Two Green Bay Hospitals
The two hospitals are HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center and HSHS St. Vincent Hospital.