Safety and Security Services in Hospitals

Safety and Security Services in Hospitals

Introduction

• Patient Safety is the prevention of errors, adverse events, and harm to patients during the process of health care delivery.
• WHO defines it as: “the absence of preventable harm to a patient during the process of health care and reduction of risk of unnecessary harm associated with health care to an acceptable minimum.”
• It emphasizes:
• Avoiding medical errors
• Preventing hospital-acquired infections
• Ensuring safe procedures, equipment, and environment
• Protecting patients’ rights and dignity

Safety Tips in Hospitals

• For Patients:
• Keep identification bands visible and intact.
• Ensure proper hand hygiene before meals and after using the toilet.
• Avoid self-medication; take drugs only as administered by nurses/doctors.
• Inform staff about allergies, implants, or prior health issues.
• Do not attempt to walk without assistance if feeling weak/dizzy.
• Avoid tampering with medical equipment.
• For Staff:
• Follow standard infection prevention protocols (hand hygiene, PPE use).
• Double-check patient identity before procedures or medication administration.
• Report unsafe conditions (wet floors, faulty wiring, broken equipment).
• Maintain accurate medical records.
• Follow fire safety and evacuation protocols.

Security Problems in Hospitals

• Theft and Burglary: Loss of equipment, medicines, personal belongings.
• Violence and Assaults: Aggressive patient relatives, attacks on doctors/nurses.
• Vandalism and Property Damage: Protest or mob activity.
• Child Abduction or Missing Patients: Particularly in maternity/paediatric wards and psychiatric units.
• Drug Abuse & Misuse: Theft of narcotics and misuse by outsiders or staff.
• Access Control Issues: Unauthorized entry into ICUs, OTs, or restricted zones.
• Terrorism or Bomb Threats: Hospitals being soft targets.
• Fire Hazards & Electrical Short Circuits: Risk of mass casualties.
• Cybersecurity Threats: Theft of patient data and hacking of hospital systems.

Security Measures in Hospitals

• Access Control: Restricted entry to sensitive zones (ICU, OT, pharmacy).
• Surveillance: CCTV cameras, monitoring rooms, alarm systems.
• Visitor Management: Pass system, ID verification, visiting hours enforcement.
• Security Personnel: 24/7 trained guards at entrances, emergency exits, wards.
• Emergency Preparedness: Disaster management and fire drills.
• Asset Protection: Tagging of hospital equipment, controlled drug storage.
• Parking Security: Proper lighting, barriers, checks for vehicles.
• Coordination with Police: Quick response system for emergencies.

Safety Measures in Hospitals

• Infrastructure Safety:
• Fire alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers installed.
• Clear emergency exits and evacuation plans.
• Non-slippery flooring, proper lighting, handrails in corridors.
• Clinical Safety:
• Infection control protocols.
• Needle-stick and biomedical waste management.
• Safe blood transfusion practices.
• Electrical and Equipment Safety:
• Regular maintenance of oxygen supply, ventilators, monitors.
• Backup generators and UPS for power failure.
• Patient-Centered Safety:
• Correct patient identification.
• Safe surgical practices (WHO Surgical Safety Checklist).
• Preventing falls, bed rail usage.
• Occupational Safety (for staff):
• Vaccinations (Hepatitis B, influenza).
• PPE usage in isolation wards.
• Radiation safety for radiology staff.

Duties of Security Guards in Hospitals

• Maintain 24-hour surveillance of hospital premises.
• Control entry and exit of patients, visitors, and vehicles.
• Ensure protection of staff, patients, and assets.
• Prevent theft, assault, and vandalism.
• Assist in emergency evacuation during fire, earthquake, or disaster.
• Handle crowd management during peak hours and emergencies.
• Report suspicious activity and coordinate with police if required.
• Monitor CCTV and alarm systems.
• Provide escort services for VIP patients, sensitive areas, or valuables.
• Maintain a visitor log and security reports.

Duties of Fire Officer in Hospitals

• Ensure fire safety compliance as per National Building Code and hospital policy.
• Conduct risk assessment and fire audits regularly.
• Maintain and inspect firefighting equipment (hydrants, extinguishers, alarms, sprinklers).
• Train staff in fire drills, evacuation, and use of extinguishers.
• Prepare and update the fire safety plan and evacuation routes.
• Supervise fire safety installations during new construction or renovation.
• Investigate causes of fire incidents and submit reports.
• Liaise with local fire services and conduct mock drills.
• Ensure emergency lighting, clear signage, and smoke detectors are functional.
• Lead and coordinate firefighting operations during a fire emergency.

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