How Wilson Security can tailor a security plan for your clinic
Effectively implemented security plans are the best way to keep your workplace safe – and they are especially vital for the healthcare industry. With many different sectors under the healthcare umbrella, it is not feasible that there is a one-size-fits-all security plan. An emergency room will require a different strategy than an aged care facility; and both will need a customised combination of onsite security and technology.
For clinics across Australia, security plans ensure that both staff and patients are able to provide and seek treatment safely. It is also important to keep these plans updated, seeking new risk assessments regularly as circumstances change; the services you provide may expand, renovations to the building may alter security points or CCTV reach, and evacuation points may have shifted.
The experts at Wilson Security can assess your clinic and establish the ideal security plan that will keep your staff safe and ensure patients are able to receive the best care.
A physical presence to manage conflict
There’s no better preventative measure to violence than a visible security presence. With trained security officers stationed in crucial areas around the clinic – beside the front door, near the waiting room, or within calling distance of treatment rooms – threats and disruptions can be dispersed in their very early stages. Medical clinics can often experience delays as appointments run overtime, so frustration amongst waiting patients isn’t uncommon. A security officer can ensure that this frustration does not escalate into a verbal or physical act of aggression. They are also specially trained to handle conflicts and can implement your agreed upon security plan calmly and professionally.
How CCTV can protect your staff & patients
CCTV has a two-fold purpose. On the one hand, it acts as a deterrent to potential wrongdoers. By clearly displaying which areas are under surveillance, people understand that their behaviour is being recorded. Cameras can help maintain the decorum, ensuring people act in a polite and considerate manner. Additionally, if violent or aggressive acts are committed in the clinic, the footage obtained can be used as evidence if the case were to be brought to court. As well as capturing violent behaviour, CCTV is particularly important in areas where sensitive information (such as patient details) and medical inventory (supplies and medicines) are stored. This enables people to keep an eye on who is entering which rooms or areas – especially if the clinic doesn’t have swipe cards or access codes.
The benefits of access codes & cards
Some areas of your clinic are strictly out of bounds for patients and visitors – essentially, all non-personnel. This can include file rooms, offices, the reception area, inventory storage, and some treatment areas. Technology such as swipe cards and access codes are an ideal solution for securing off-limits areas. Staff members who have the clearance for those areas will be given a card or code that allows them access. In some cases, cards that can identify which person has entered a room and when will be recorded, to make keeping track of when rooms are visited much easier.
Speak to Wilson Security about your security plan
Effective security cannot occur until there is an updated plan in place. This includes having staff members across the correct procedures – such as not propping open doors that typically require passes to enter, allowing security to handle incidents, and understanding the protocol in the event of external help – police or ambulance – being required.
This is why Wilson Security are dedicated to providing tailored security plans for clinics and other healthcare facilities. Australian healthcare workers are a precious commodity, so protecting their wellbeing is our top priority.
To learn more about security plans, or to organise a consultation, speak to the team at Wilson Security on 1300 945 766 or email contact@wilsonsecurity.com.au.
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