Many hospitals across the country are seeing an increase in workplace violence and theft of medical supplies and equipment. In 2008, the Florida Department of Health funded a hospital vulnerability assessment at Martin Memorial that highlighted opportunities for security improvements that would prevent acts of theft and violence.
As a result of that study, on Aug. 3 Martin Memorial will implement new security measures designed to enhance safety for patients, visitors and staff at both of the health system’s two hospitals. They include:
· Patients and visitors must enter Martin Memorial Medical Center and Martin Memorial Hospital South through the main lobbies and register with security at the front desk. Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and strictly enforced. Specialty units may have different visitation policies and hours.
· Maternal-child (OB) patients must enter through the main lobby of the Medical Center 24 hours a day.
· From 8:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., maternal-child (OB) patients must enter through the main lobby of the Medical Center by using the intercom system that is monitored by security.
· All medical emergencies are accepted through the emergency department 24 hours a day.
A new visitor and vendor identification management system also will be implemented in the weeks ahead at the main lobbies of both hospitals for all visitors and vendors, which will supplement this enhanced policy.
“Hospitals throughout the country are engaging similar safety and security measures,” said Carmelo Maldonado, operations manager of corporate safety and security. “Martin Memorial is committed to providing a safe environment for everyone who comes through our doors, and we believe these new policies and procedures will help us achieve that mission.”
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