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Finding the Key to Efficiency in Healthcare
» » HEALTHCARE FACILITIES PRESENT A
considerably complex security challenge.
The physical environment of a healthcare
facility is the foundation of all that occurs
in it. Implementing effective safety and
security solutions creates an environment
that enhances the building for those
working and staying in such facilities.
Optimising a facility’s physical environment
– that is, everything from door hardware to
locks and access control – has a direct link
to improved patient health and safety, staff
safety, security and performance, in turn,
increasing operational efficiencies and
financial outcomes.
There are multiple influencing factors
to choosing the right solutions, such
as reducing noise, maximising free
passage for optimum people movement,
minimising cross-contamination,
administering adequate preparation for
emergency situations and allowing safe
and efficient egress when necessary.
Years ago, older healthcare buildings,
with outdated or damaged hardware,
were limited by choice, and the upgrades
that were available weren’t always
an appropriately fitted replacement.
Notwithstanding this, any budgeting
pressures these facilities faced led to a
reluctance to upgrade old traditional
systems.
Today, however, the scope of solutions
available to the UK market means that
healthcare facilities, such as hospital
buildings, can opt for solutions that fit their
specific needs and requirements, aligning
with their values and targets along the way.
SAFETY AND SATISFACTION
A report by the Care Quality Commission
(CQC) revealed that almost a third of
private hospitals in England are failing on
patient safety. Professor Ted Baker, chief
inspector of hospitals at the CQC, said that
a part of this was because of a lack of formal
governance protocols. This includes “a
lack of safety checks and poor monitoring
of risks,” where safety has neglected to be
viewed as a corporate responsibility.
In reality, the safety of patients – and
staff, for that matter – expands further than
just day-to-day internal procedures. The
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
enforced the responsibility that facility
managers and business owners have in
remaining fire safety compliant.
Fire doors, in particular, need to be given
meticulous attention to ensure compliance.
The slightest damage could render a fire
door inadequate, putting lives at risk in
the event of a fire. Regular checks, such
as fire door operation and up-to-date risk
assessments, are crucial to maximising
patient and staff satisfaction, maintaining
legislation compliance and, ultimately,
keeping everyone on the premises safe.
EFFICIENT ACCESS AND EGRESS
In situations that require high levels of
egress, such as during busier periods and in
emergency situations like an evacutation,
it is essential hospitals are equipped
with doors and door hardware which
accommodate these needs. Methodical
solutions such as cross-corridor openings
support this range of requirements,
aiding egress whilst also resisting damage,
operating quietly and aiding wheelchair
access.
When hospital staff need to carry
medical supplies, push gurneys or carts,
or move quickly, doors and door hardware
must allow smooth access into and from
a room whilst also providing privacy and
safety for a patient.
On top of this, doors should be fitted
with easy-open features. For example,
support staff should have their hands free
to aid the young, the elderly, and those
with disabilities who need assistance.
Electromagnetic and cam-action door
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closers are ideal for high-use internal
areas that require doors to be held open,
swing-free or have lighter operational
forces, making them the perfect solution
for hospitals and care homes.
ACCESS CONTROL FOR
SENSITIVE AREAS
Certain areas within healthcare facilities
are high security such as pharmacies,
patient records and medical supplies,
which require a higher level of security and
restricted access. These sensitive areas in
the facility require records of when and by
whom the area was accessed. They also
need to stop unauthorised access to these
areas. With the help of networked access
control with real-time management and
monitoring, all sensitive areas can be made
secure for both patients and staff.
INFECTION CONTROL
Around 80 percent of infections are
transmitted through our environment, from
the air we breathe to the surfaces we touch.
Being one of the most common harbourers
of bacterium, door handles, grabrails and
other contact surfaces can exacerbate cross-
contamination, presenting a focal-point
that facilitates the transmission of germs
throughout a building. For that extra layer
of cleanliness, door hardware with in-built
anti-bacterial protection – such as exit
devices and lever furniture – helps to battle
against the spreading of germs.
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