The safety and security of healthcare facilities are of significant importance due to the unpredictable nature of these environments. As hospitals often host a large number of people from patients, staff, to visitors, it’s essential to have effective security measures in place. Utilizing turnstiles in hospitals enhances control over who enters and exits the facility, thereby significantly reducing potential security risks. Turnstiles are integral to bolstering security within healthcare settings, ensuring a safe environment for everyone.
Healthcare Facility Security Concerns
With the vulnerability of patients and sensitivity of the information and materials housed within, hospitals and clinics face a range of security threats; from unauthorized access, patient abduction, theft of medical supplies or drugs, to data breaches. These facilities must balance the efficient entry access needed with the stringent security required to protect people and private spaces. Healthcare institutions, thus, require robust and effective security systems to mitigate these risks.
Secure access control systems are essential in healthcare environments to prevent unauthorized entry and ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive areas. The presence of a reliable access control system acts as a deterrent against potential intruders and ensures that all areas are adequately monitored and controlled. This reduces the likelihood of internal and external theft, potential contamination, and ensures that safety protocols are strictly followed.
Benefits of Turnstiles in Healthcare Security
Turnstiles are a type of gate which allows one person to pass at a time and can restrict passage to those who aren’t authenticated via credential, registration, pass, or similar. In healthcare settings, turnstiles are employed to enhance the management of site security by controlling pedestrian movement into and out of the premises. They serve multiple functions including visitor management, employee access control, and as a barrier to restrict entry to certain sensitive areas like neonatal units, psychiatric wards, or pharmacies within the hospital.
Utilizing turnstiles in hospitals offers several benefits:
- Regulated Entry: They provide a physical barrier that regulates entry, ensuring only authorized individuals can access restricted areas.
- Enhanced Security: Turnstiles are an effective deterrent against unauthorized access, reducing potential security breaches.
- Traffic Flow Management: They efficiently manage high volumes of people entering and exiting, maintaining an orderly flow of traffic without bottlenecks.
- Integration with ID Systems: Turnstiles can be integrated with badge readers and biometric systems, enhancing the effectiveness of the security infrastructure.
- Cost-Effective: By reducing the need for manual security checks, turnstiles can lower operational costs over time.
The adoption of turnstiles in healthcare settings therefore not only strengthens security measures but also improves the overall operations of healthcare facilities.
Types of Turnstiles and Systems Suitable for Healthcare Facilities
Full-height turnstiles
Full-height turnstiles are an excellent security option for areas in healthcare facilities that require a high level of controlled access. These turnstiles extend from the floor to above the user’s head, effectively preventing tailgating and unauthorized access. Their robust design ensures reliable operation even in high-traffic environments, providing enhanced security and peace of mind.
Waist-height turnstiles
Waist-height turnstiles are less physically restrictive compared to full-height turnstiles, providing a more welcoming atmosphere without compromising security. This type makes it suitable for areas like the main lobby or administrative floors where ease of entry and aesthetics are also important considerations. These turnstiles are effective in managing large volumes of people during busy hours and can be integrated with card readers or biometric systems to enhance security.
Door Detective
The Door Detective is a door mounted anti-tailgate device that ensures critical rooms are secured from trespassers. Monitoring directional violations, tailgating, and occupancy counting, the Door Detective ensures a single person enters per credential, effectively stopping unauthorized access through vulnerable open doors. They are ideal for secure areas like medicine rooms or storage where access must be restricted.
Pictured Here: Door Detective SG managing double doors for hospital security
Conclusion: The Crucial Role of Turnstiles in Enhancing Healthcare Security
Turnstiles are not just a tool for managing large crowds; they are a critical component in the security apparatus of healthcare facilities. By effectively controlling access points, turnstiles ensure that only authorized individuals enter sensitive areas, significantly reducing potential threats. Their integration into hospital security systems is an investment in safety, promoting a secure environment for patients, staff, visitors, and resources alike. The adaptation of advanced optical turnstile technologies will continue to play an essential role in safeguarding our healthcare institutions nationwide.
This article was reviewed for accuracy by Executive VP of Smarter Security, Clayton Brown
Clayton Brown serves as Executive Vice President at Smarter Security, the leading provider of hand-crafted optical turnstiles, and is a co-founder of ReconaSense, the only FICAM-certified risk-adaptive physical access control solution (RAdPACS) using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components. As a member of SIA’s Government Relations Committee and Data Privacy Board, Clayton proudly represents a next-generation of practitioners dedicated to bringing data-driven ideas to existing physical security challenges.
