Use of Access Control System in Hospitals

eSSL Security

Electronic Access Control Systems are increasingly being used to enhance safety and security in hospitals and residential care homes. The scope of the system can be extended to include; Time and Attendance, Visitor Management and Parking Management. An integrated system can reduce both the initial outlay and the running costs.

Why is Access Control required in Healthcare Sector?

Hospitals and residential care homes generally have to deal with a large number of people as well as permanent members of staff. These include temporary staff, patients and visitors. With such a transient population and potentially venerable individuals, the security of valuables, patients and confidential information needs to be of the highest priority. An Access Control provides an effective time and attendance system. Also temporary, limited access cards can be issued to visitors.

In these establishments, many high value goods such as computers and sophisticated medical equipment need to be kept on the premises. The personal possessions of staff and patients also need to be protected. Confidential documents such as patients' notes also need to be kept secure as do medications. An Access Control System makes reporting of any incidents easier by providing evidence of who was in the area at the time of the incidence. Vehicular access to the site and the use of the parking facilities can be managed by the same system.

Consequently, Access Control Systems are needed enhance safety and security to restrict access (both entry and exit) to only to those people with the necessary authority. The system can monitor the numbers of specific categories of staff present within a controlled area to ensure that the required numbers of key staff members are maintained within the area by raising an alarm whenever this number falls below the required minimum level.