HEALTHCARE SECURITY
Protect What Matters Most
Healthcare providers and employees face a host of risks every day, whether working on site or in the community.
With Everbridge, proactively access threats, automate a response and act faster to mitigate risks and save lives.
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By Madalene Arias
Baycrest Health Sciences opens new SOC
Security professionals brushed shoulders with staff at Toronto-based Baycrest Health Sciences Centre while others connected virtually where they joined Martin Green, the facility’s manager of security, telecommunications and emergency preparedness, as he unveiled Baycrest’s first ever security operations centre in June.
“If I could take my mask off, you would see a fantastic huge smile,” he told his colleagues and guests before the lobby of the security centre.
Green began his speech with words of recognition for team members present, including Joni Kent, president and corporate CHRO at Baycrest’s Centre for Geriatric Care; Scott Ovenden, president and CEO of Baycrest Hospital and LTC.; Cathy Borsa, vice-president of corporate redevelopment and facilities; Rabbi Dr. Geoffrey Haber and Brine Hamilton, IAHSS president.
Founded in 1918, Baycrest serves as a research and teaching facility for elderly care. It also houses the Apotex Centre, a Jewish home for the aged, holding 472 beds and various independent living arrangements.
“We are here to provide a safe and secure environment.”
— Martin Green, Baycrest
“For over 104 years, our primary mission at Baycrest never changed. We are here to provide a safe and secure environment for our residents and patients, clients, their families, and of course our staff,” said Green before Kent joined him in cutting the “Baycrest Blue” ribbon from the doorway of the security centre.
Kent explained that seven years before the creation of the Baycrest Security Operations Centre, the security team managed the safety of the facility with 48 CCTV cameras and 12 card readers. Presently, the facility’s security system operates with 320 CCTV cameras and 350 card readers.
“ To be able to monitor in this way is just excellent. They’re in and of themselves great security features, but to have the 24-hour monitoring is so much better,” she said.
Currently, Hamilton is a senior system engineer with Omnigo Software, as well
as president of IAHSS. In 2016, he served as Baycrest’s security coordinator. It was during this time that he first learned of Green’s vision for a security operations centre. “It’s been a lot of work for Martin to get his vision to fruition,” he said.
During the initial stages of the project, Green met with an architectural firm and project team at Baycrest to design the centre. After this they issued an RFT for the project.
Baycrest awarded the request for proposal to a general contractor who worked with 3D Network Technology and other sub-contractors to implement the design and integrations.
G reen said that everyone associated with the project had to follow strict COVID-19 screening protocols, and only contractors who were fully vaccinated could work on the premise as part of their mission to keep everyone safe. | CS
Protect What Matters Most
Healthcare providers and employees face a host of risks every day, whether working on site or in the community.
With Everbridge, proactively access threats, automate a response and act faster to mitigate risks and save lives.
GardaWorld: Improved Security for the Canadian Healthcare Industry
Over the past decade, the healthcare industry has experienced an alarming and growing trend of violence in the workplace with the associated need for increased security. To learn more, we spoke with Jeff Young, GardaWorld National Director for Healthcare Security.
We all rely on healthcare workers for their help. What are the security issues they face and how can we help them?
More than any other occupation, healthcare workers experience the highest rate of violence on the job. A 2017 Canadian industry survey shows 61%1 of registered nurses and support workers experienced workplace violence, with nearly 20% in Ontario saying they had been assaulted nine or more times that year2. The Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) says violence-related claims for front-line healthcare workers have increased by more than 65% over the past decade, three times the rate of increase for police and correctional service officers combined.
Those are staggering statistics. To think that the people who care for us are victims of violence. What solutions do you suggest?
We must develop better communications and cooperation between clinicians and security staff. Often there are preincident indicators that the patient/subject has a history of aggression. Clinical personnel must identify these people to the security team to allow us to help determine the overall risk level and develop mitigation strategies.
Can you give an example?
One I have experience with is at birthing hospitals when social services apprehend a newborn because a parent is deemed a risk. Hundreds of such cases occur every year in Canada.
It’s a terrible situation, but a good example. At times, healthcare workers will know in advance that a traumatic and potentially-volatile incident is going to occur. Yet, frequently the security staff is only notified by an emergency call after violence or a noncustodial abduction has already happened. Advance notice and cooperation can help protect everyone.
How can we develop “better communications and cooperation”?
Our goal is aligned with that of the healthcare industry: to support a safe and secure environment of care for all. We need to be seen and accepted as part of the care team.
Although healthcare security has come a long way, we must continue to professionalize our industry to gain the trust and respect of clinical and leadership. We must provide services in a professional manner and elevate our education and training, just as clinicians have health degrees and certifications. A degree is now standard for a healthcare security manager and a Master’s degree is often needed for a director position. Even PhD’s are becoming more common among healthcare security professionals, and some have gone on to become hospital CEOs. At GardaWorld, we have healthcare specific training developed by industry experts and we support IAHSS and their progressive certification.
What other measures do you recommend for healthcare security programs?
It’s important to have a formalized and defined threat management program. Front-line security officers should complete an intake form that is then reviewed by a speciallytrained threat management team member. In consultation with clinical staff, risk mitigation strategies should be determined in advance of a potentially-violent incident. In situations deemed to be high risk, a multidisciplinary team should determine how to maintain a secure environment.
Any final thoughts?
For all involved in our field, keep working the relationships between clinicians and the security staff, especially in elevated risk areas like emergency departments, mental health and long-term care facilities, as well as maternity wards. And don’t forget clinical risk management. They need to be your friend! For more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Jeff Young, CHPA, CPP jeff.young@garda.com • +1 236 978-2992
GardaWorld’s healthcare security services focus on safely managing patient aggression, hospital incident and risk management, and other elements to ensure a safe and secure environment for all. Clinicians can provide exceptional care safely, while GardaWorld provides a healthcare security program through a patient-centric approach.
Working together, we can all provide a positive contribution to the overall patient experience.
EMBRACING CHANGE, COMMITTED TO THE FUTURE.
Remember when your house only had a deadbolt, public washrooms were only privacy function locksets, your office had only one lock and you had to issue 1000 keys for it? How things have changed. Now your front door has a camera and smart lock, washrooms now have automatic operators and accessories, your office door now has a reader with cards that are programmed remotely.
Change is good. The features built into today’s security are beneficial for everyone. Now you have confirmation of whether a door is locked or not, access has indeed been revoked, scheduling is in effect or who’s at my door all from a click of your mouse or phone. The built-in safety features in today’s restroom kits provide peace of mind with both audio and visual status of the opening including built-in emergency features.
As the products change so does the ask from the customer. If you’re not well versed in any one aspect of a project, either the mechanical or electronics side, what do you do, who do you call? That’s where your distribution partner comes in. A lot has changed in our industry and distribution has changed with it. Distribution is your product and application specialists, your virtual warehouse, your trouble shooter, your sounding board, and a true partner committed to your success.
With the advent of electronic hardware, the distribution landscape has also changed. Where originally there was only mechanical hardware distributors, the market shifted to include both mechanical and electronic (security) distributors. This made sense as each specialized in their segment of the market. Over time the division between the two segments has
been blurred where each segment now carries product typically available from the other. This can be attributed to dealers asking for products or solutions not currently being offered by their distributor, distributors looking to increase market share by expanding their product portfolio or new products being made available to them through the channel. Distribution has had to keep pace with these developments by educating their team on new products, evaluating their stock position, creating marketing collateral, updating websites – no easy task. Now more than ever there are sourcing options available to dealers. Due to today’s global supply chain issues people are being prompted to look at different avenues to source the products they need. Whether it be sourcing the same product from a different supplier or a different product capable of doing the same job from a new supplier, the struggle is real.
Whether it be electrifying an existing lock, updating washrooms with operators and controls to a smart lock for the front door – IDN Canada is committed to finding the right solution for your application. For the better part of 9 decades IDN Canada has been a leading distributor of electronic and mechanical hardware across Canada. We have access to 100’s of best in class brands, most recently adding 10 new industry leading lines to our electronics portfolio. We have 9 stocking locations across Canada and a network of 50+ locations across North America. We pride ourselves in offering “old-school” customer service with product experts in all categories available to assist in providing the complete solution for you on your next project.
We make security simple. www.idn-inc.ca
Trends in Security: The Future of Access Control in Healthcare
The healthcare industry continues to adopt digital technologies to design new business processes, improve operations, and improve patient and staff experiences. As they migrate towards advancing technology, these areas include improving overall building security which in today’s world means much more than locks on doors. Healthcare facilities in particular present unique access challenges. They must offer a welcoming environment – often 24/7 – for a constantly changing user base that includes staff, patients, volunteers, visitors, and suppliers. They also have to secure specific areas – operating rooms, patient data, pharmacies, labs, and more – that each might have their own varying levels of access needs.
Healthcare facility planners and administrators can find themselves navigating through a complex ecosystem of technologies, services, and providers that can leave them with more questions than answers. Will the access products they choose today work in the future? What trends in healthcare security are worth investing in? What about mobile access, apps, and other credentials? This short Q & A with Paul Cannon, SALTO North America Industry Leader for Healthcare, provides some helpful information on the future of access control in healthcare.
What software/technology trends are expected in the coming years?
Visitor management systems and mobile device usage will continue gaining traction in healthcare. We will see more interactive touch screens that can oversee many functions, including health screenings, emergency mustering, and attendance recording. The usage of mobile credentials will be integrated into these systems and offer users additional capabilities. One major benefit to deploying
mobile access solutions is that it allows employees the option of leveraging an item they almost always have on them: a smartphone. This minimises the time, expense, and security risks associated with managing lost keys. It also improves the flow throughout a facility and gives the option for contactless access – which the industry found to be of utmost importance during the pandemic.
How has technology transformed the healthcare industry? And in what ways will software and technology change it in the coming years?
Technology has transformed the healthcare industry in many different ways. At the patient level, it has helped to make information very accessible. Patientcentered thinking has been driving many of the technological advancements being implemented in healthcare facilities.
The future of healthcare includes technologies that will integrate multiple systems, such as a patient’s medical history, real-time health updates, insurance coverages, and access control management. The ultimate goal will be to use mobile devices as the primary tool to access this information. The end-user experience will continue to drive expansion into these newly digitized areas.
How can hospitals and other healthcare facilities gain patients’ trust when using new technology that they may be unaware of?
The first step is to educate the patient on the benefits of using the new technology. There is always resistance to any new process, so a well-thought educational program is critical in gaining the end user’s trust.
What about the maintenance of these newer technologies? What do hospitals and other healthcare facilities risk if regular maintenance isn’t operated?
Regular monitoring and maintenance of any system are critical. Being proactive with a defined program allows for fixable problems ahead of time, rather than a potentially larger challenge that may take place once the issue occurs. A good software and hardware maintenance plan can ensure that the software is updated with the latest version and that the hardware is in good working condition. Failure to upgrade these systems can leave openings in the security layer that make it easier for hackers to find vulnerabilities.
Is it worth the investment?
One thing is certain; technology will continue to advance. As it does, the healthcare systems and facilities that have decided to lean into the transformation and have adopted forwardlooking strategies and flexible infrastructures will be better positioned for long-term success. The best way to secure any investment in technology is to make sure that the products under consideration are designed with the future in mind. Will the product work with yesterday’s infrastructure, today’s technology, and the technology of tomorrow? Hospitals cannot afford to rip and replace every time a new technology comes along.
For more information visit: saltosystems.ca
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Your patients, staff, visitors & property
Curb to Core Healthcare Solutions
As ASSA ABLOY’s curb to core solutions ensure the highest level of safety for all areas of your hospital or practice. From specialized solutions specifically designed for healthcare, we will work with you to design a complete security system to keep your building safe inside and out. Use the navigation bar below to learn more about these solutions.
Healthcare facilities often require complex door opening codes. Not only is it important to meet these requirements, but it is also ideal to optimize overall performance in terms of access control and energy loss prevention within the building envelope.
From specialized doors and door assemblies to accessories, ASSA ABLOY Group Brands offer a number of products and solutions to make sure you’re achieving safety, security and environmental sustainability.
Designing the physical environment to aid healing
A relaxing atmosphere is a critical component to the interior of your healthcare facility. Aesthetically pleasing and ambient designs can completely change the overall feel of your facility for the better.
ASSA ABLOY aims to help you achieve this level of design by optimizing every doorway for positive experiences.
Patient comfort, accessibility and convenience and pharmaceutical storage are all healthcare facility challenges that can be addressed with specialty door opening products from ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions.
STC-rated doors ensure patients have the best chance at healing in a
quiet environment. Electronic cabinet locks provide safe and accountable storage of pharmaceutical supplies and enables effective protection of health information. Automatic doors enable hands-free entry into critical areas of the hospital or healthcare facility.
Accounting for all these different challenges may be overwhelming, but ASSA ABLOY can help. Our consultative experts will work with you to ensure you are providing the best experience for your patients and staff.
Colour is a unique and effective way that is proven to improve well-being and wayfinding. Studies have shown that colour can actually improve or impair our ability to focus, to learn, to heal and to behave within an architectural environment. Colour improves
visual memory, and affects our quality of life. Whether deployed on doors, frames or hardware in biophilic or primary palettes, colour can contribute to the built environment by helping us find out way, and enhancing our experience in a space. Decorative door and hardware from ASSA ABLOY offer pleasing and valuable solutions to improving patient and staff experiences.
ASSA ABLOY Openings Studio software is cloud-based BIM software that provides collaboration and support for your door openings through the entire life cycle. More than just a specification tool, Openings Studio is used by specification writers, architects, contractors, security consultants, owners, and facility managers to design, build and manage door opening information.
Delivering Security Solutions for Healthcare Facilities from Curb to Core
ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions combine the expertise of the industry’s most knowledgeable door-opening experts with a comprehensive product offering unparalleled in the marketplace to help navigate your entire project—from design and specification through occupancy and ongoing management. Our innovative technologies, coupled with expertise on specifications, design, support and code compliance, uniquely position us to help you design or upgrade your facility—with safe, secure, beautiful and sustainabledoors and hardware. Contact an
IS YOUR PROVEN PARTNER
PROVIDING HEALTHCARE SECURITY SERVICES ACROSS CANADA
COUNT ON COMMISSIONAIRES
Healthcare facilities across Canada rely on the security expertise of Commissionaires to create safety programs as well as provide guarding, mobile patrol, patient watch, reception, threat risk assessments, and parking services.
Our dedicated security professionals understand the unique needs of healthcare facilities. Through tailored programs, Commissionaires aims to mitigate your specific security risks and concerns. The safety and security of patients, their families, visitors and healthcare staff are of paramount importance.
Commissionaires are trained to respond during emergencies: from critical injury support and medical response, to conflict resolution and incidents requiring police and fire intervention. Each security officer is trained to provide medical personnel with support and assistance to ensure they can do what they do best — save lives.
SERVICES INCLUDE:
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/ Emergency response
// Patrol officers (mobile patrol)
// Parking enforcement and traffic management
// Access control
// Security guarding
// Reception / visitor screening
// Facility, property and asset protection
Commissionaires help maintain public order, site safety and security, provide support and assistance to patients, visitors and staff, respond to emergency codes and manage parking services. Many commissionaires are veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and the RCMP. With established leadership, specialized skills and expertise, healthcare clients are certain to receive the highest level of security services from our professionals.
Commissionaires offers a complete suite of services including threat-risk assessments, monitoring and response, mobile patrol, guarding and digital fingerprinting.