July 2010 : Vol. 4, No. 3
Security Upgrades Throughout DHS Underway
Department of Medicine – Medical Education and Research Update
Security Upgrades Throughout DHS Underway
The DHS Security Implementation Plan is organized around six specific issues.
- Hospital Access: By September, public access to the hospital will be limited by restricting the number of public entrances, securing employee entrances and requiring visitor passes. Non-employees may only enter through the 5 Tower Lobby, the Stroock Lobby , the Ambulatory Surgery Unit, the Emergency Department, 2 Stroock (entrance from parking lot), and 4 West Pulmonary/Respiratory/Sleep Lab. All other entrances will be secured with a swipe device. Employees may continue to enter at any entrance, but will need to swipe their ID cards for access.
- Emergency Planning: New procedures will be put in place for emergency notifications, response, and training within the next several weeks. A new Desktop Alert mass notification system has been installed and is currently being tested. This system will enable every DHS computer station to display important security messages as they arise.
- Workplace Violence Prevention, Mitigation and De-escalation: General personal security training will be required for all DHS staff. The first introductory HealthStream module will be ready for employees to complete by September 1. More hands-on training will be developed for clinical staff and launched in Fiscal Year 2011. Ongoing employee training and education will focus on engaging everyone to use solid judgment, common sense, and general awareness to maximum security and safety.
- Campus Safety in Parking Lots and Garages: Security patrols will be added, enhanced with new technology and additional cameras throughout the parking garages. The Hospital's current personal alarm device system is encouraged for use by employees working evenings/nights or in isolated work areas.
- Security Department Resources: The number of visible security staff on campus will be increased with a combination of DHS staff and contracted security officers to help monitor activity on the hospital campus. That process is already underway. State-of-the-art technology and security equipment will be added and incorporated into the construction plans for the new Tower and related projects.
- Off-Site Facility Security: All off-site locations will receive the appropriate level of security support services, safety training, and technology. An audit of our off-sites' needs is currently underway that will result in site safety plans and training unique to each location.