Hospitals and medical facilities, in general, are places where emotions run high. In one corridor, you could hear sounds of elation at the birth of life, while in another ward, you might witness tears of sadness at the passing of a beloved. Then there’s the issue of confidential patient information, the physical protection of healthcare workers and staff, and the threat of radiation zones. All in all, the healthcare sector presents a unique set of challenges that can only be addressed by a premier and highly experienced security company. For a city like Dubai, which is brimming with a diverse, multi-ethnic population, it’s imperative that healthcare facilities are protected by a leading security company in Dubai.
First, find out about the opportunities and challenges that need to be mitigated by a security firm.
No Specified Working Hours
Almost every tertiary care healthcare facility in Dubai operates round the clock. This puts additional strain on security personnel – as they have to be on their toes to detect any potential threat from an individual or the systems in place. The security company should ensure the deployment of the latest quarantine protocols as well as advanced access control systems that provide role-based privileges.
Multiple Entry and Exit Points
Hospitals feature multiple entry and exit points to facilitate the smooth and timely flow of patients, staff, and visitors, aiming for efficiency and reduced stress. Streamlining access points offers opportunities to prevent security incidents such as unauthorized entry, patient wandering, and infant abduction. However, many hospitals maintain excessive access points, necessitating the deployment of additional access control measures to ensure adequate security levels.
Valuable Resources
Contrary to how typical firms operate, a hospital faces a broader array of security concerns beyond safeguarding office equipment and employees’ belongings. The security team must secure patient possessions and prescription drugs to prevent misuse or theft. Additionally, maintaining detailed user logs can provide valuable information for identifying and apprehending perpetrators in the event of unforeseen incidents.
Sensitive Areas
A hospital’s security-sensitive area (SSA) is characterized by a ward or department that is most likely to be affected by security-related issues if not managed properly. Those on duty have to be extra diligent when securing hospital SSA, such as emergency departments, pharmacies, and business offices.
Hospitals are also vulnerable to cyber threats since hackers understand that heaps of private information are stored on the hospital’s servers. So, it’s important to have a secure firewall in place to monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic.
Theft of Equipment
Theft of medical equipment could cause thousands, if not millions, of dirhams in financial losses for healthcare institutions and contribute to increased healthcare expenses, as these costs are often transferred to future patients. Moreover, beyond their monetary impact, such thefts can directly endanger patients, particularly if vital equipment is unavailable when urgently required.
Now that the challenges have been discussed read on to explore how security companies in Dubai can mitigate the threats posed to the healthcare facilities:
Robust Training of Dubai Security Guards
As mentioned in the beginning that Dubai is a melting pot of different cultures, it is important for security companies in Dubai to invest in training their resources. This involves brushing up their conversational skills, enhancing situational awareness, familiarizing them with modern security systems and technology, fast response times to emergencies, as well as respecting cultural sensitivity.
Surveillance
Like with any other business, a fundamental aspect to ensuring safety of all stakeholders in a medical facility is by installing cutting edge surveillance systems – think CCTV cameras, duress alarms for hospital personnel, and electronic access protocols for doors. This is in addition to employing security guards strategically within the healthcare facilities’ premises.
Conducting Security Patrols
For a security company in Dubai to thrive in the healthcare sector, their focus needs to narrow down on the following key areas when it comes to patrolling the hospital:
Emergency Departments
In the emergency department, chaos and intense emotions are common occurrences. It is crucial to exude a calming demeanor and ensure orderliness, while also facilitating swift access for those in need. Given the round-the-clock nature of this environment, vigilance is key to manage continuous access points for both ambulance and non-ambulance operations -internally and externally.
Behavioral and Mental Health Wards
These areas are unpredictable, because of the plight of the patients. Hence, security personnel are required to have a firm yet gentle response to potential violence or patient breakout.
Finance Department
Wherever there’s a cash transaction, there’s always a risk of theft. Internal theft poses a significant concern, similar to theft from visitors or patients. It’s important to inquire about the client’s procedures regarding the collection, movement, and safeguarding of funds.
Radiation Zones
Radioactive substances stored within these zones can pose significant health hazards if not handled and stored correctly. Inquire with your client regarding their current management practices for these areas and any particular requirements they may have for handling hazardous materials.
In conclusion, it’s fair to say that managing a healthcare facility in Dubai requires a lot of brain and brawn, as the city is composed of a multi-ethnic crowd with distinct needs and habits.
So, a premier Dubai security company should grasp the needs of the stakeholders (patients, hospital staff, processes), and adequately train their personnel to combat the multiple challenges that may arise on a day in day out basis.
Published by: Martin De Juan
