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Any security professional that has worked in the healthcare environment for the first time, especially hospitals, quickly realizes the uniqueness of this environment. The security challenges of providing adequate security to a hospital, whether large or small, whether urban or rural, are unlike any other environment. Because most patients are totally reliant on the hospital for their person safety and security, the reasonable standard of care for adequacy is very high. Add to that reality that most hospitals are, intentionally, very accessible faculties; the challenge becomes even more daunting. The question becomes: How do we maintain a warm and welcoming milieu and at the same time, provide adequate and sufficient security for patients, visitor and staff.
Security providers are now addressing these challenges head on. They are beginning to understand that hospitals have their own lingo and value systems. If the security provider does not thoroughly understand this nomenclature and value system, they generally will not get very far.
In response to this unique vertical security market, security providers are taking the time to understand the unique needs of the healthcare environment. For example, there are a number of consultants that are well informed as to the special security needs of hospitals. These consultants have taken the time and energy to join and participate in such organizations as IAHSS, ASHES, ACHE and ASHRM (If you don’t know these organizations, look them up.)
We are also seeing that major security companies, such as Securitas and G4S, developing security program offerings specifically for hospitals. These companies are bringing well experienced former hospital security executives into their security organizations to ensure they get it right. The critical challenge for contract security agencies, especially when working in the hospital environment, is to control turnover. The negative impact of turnover in the hospital environment is much greater that the same turnover in other commercial venues. In a hospital setting, security officers are required to make judgment calls several times a day. This means that they must have complete familiarity with the hospital they are assigned to. Turnover diminishes this ability.
Finally, we are also seeing technology companies emerging within the healthcare vertical. For example ADT, probably the one of the oldest security and fire protection companies in the world, has jumped into the healthcare vertical with both feet. They are able to integrate exiting disparate stems, and provide a variety of state of the art enhancements if needs dictate. This allows hospitals to enhance security efficiency while reducing reliance on additional FTEs and significantly reduce exposure to liability claims. One lawsuit avoided will buy a lot of security. Reliance on FTEs can be lessened through the application of virtual video tours and/or virtual video escorts.
The lessons learned in the hospital environment should be applied to many other industries. You will see that the companies mentioned here and others have devoted space on their respective website to the hospital vertical market. Vertical niche market works!
For more information call Bill Nesbitt, CPP at 805/499-3800.
Submitted by:
William H. Nesbitt, CPP
President
Security Management Services International, Inc.
805-499-3800
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