Spotlight on Jersey Shore U. Medical Center’s Security Overhaul
Having completed an expansion and renovation of its facility, this hospital hired a local integrator to finish upgrading its access control and video surveillance systems. The changes resulted in improved security and fewer maintenance issues.
Staff welcomes Upgraded Lockdown Functionalities
Govel praises the medical center for being ahead of the curve when it comes to protecting its workers, patients and visitors.
“We do quite a bit of hospital work, and Jersey Shore is by far one of the most innovative and dynamic hospitals out there as far as their approach to security,” he says. “Not many hospitals have the turnstiles at the entrances as they do, so they really control the security in the hospital a lot better than most.”
The upgrade and the Jersey Shore’s improved ability to lockdown has also been well-received by staff. There have been several instances when the hospital had to lock down the emergency department and the new access control system was able to do it in less than five minutes.
Though it hasn’t experienced any cost savings yet, Brooks is sure that Jersey Shore will see it down the road because the systems will be easier to maintain with SWI so close to the facility.
“[For other hospitals who are going through renovation], make sure you’re with a vendor that can meet your expectations as far as time because it is very important that they are going to dedicate the needed resources for the project,” Brooks recommends. “If [SWI] hadn’t been there for us, there would have been a lot of problems. They really helped tremendously.”
Brooks also offers another tidbit of advice to complete a successful security upgrade.
“You can never over plan for a project like this. It’s important that you look at every detail and make sure you have back-up plans in place.”
Campus at a Glance
Part of the Meridian Health, Jersey Shore University Medical Center of Neptune, N.J., completed a $300 million expansion and renovation in 2009. The project included the addition of a new emergency department and trauma center, a 1,000-car parking garage and a diagnostic and treatment building. The hospital has as many as 12 buildings on its 26-acre campus, with roughly 3,000 employees and 563 beds. As a teaching hospital, the facility houses nearly 100 students and has nearly 450 visitors a day walking through its doors.
Determining the Right Number of Cards Isn’t Easy
When Jersey Shore University Medical Center installed new card readers throughout the facility, hospital personnel knew that each employee needed to receive a new credential. However, providing the right amount of proximity cards was somewhat challenging for David Brooks, Jersey Shore corporate director of risk management.
“We had planned for a couple thousand new cards for this system,” he says. “Given the number of people, students and volunteers that we get, we far and away exceeded that and that was a learning experience.”
There are about 5,500 active cards in Jersey Shore’s system because of the multiple sites on campus, according to integrator Stephen Govel.
For other hospitals seeking to upgrade their proximity cards, Brooks advises, “Whatever you think your card allotment is, just double it. We had a lot of cards and that whole process was very labor-some.”
Security Personnel Quickly Learn to Use New Solutions
With the new systems installed, Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s 36 non-sworn officers and two supervisors had to learn how to monitor the solutions. Luckily, security integrator SWI began providing the necessary training each guard required from the first day they arrived on site.
“It’s an ongoing training, and it’s kind of a refresher at the end for the officers and staff to go through,” SWI President Stephen Govel explains. “You must make sure the operators have a solid handle on the system operation. It’s much more effective that way than trying to overload the staff in one or two sessions.”
He also notes that it was easy to train the team because they are seasoned security professionals who are already familiar with access control and video systems. To make sure the officers had something to reference if they had questions after the installation, SWI provided hard copies and CDs with everything they had gone over. Additionally, if there are any questions that require on site assistance, SWI is in close proximity to the facility and can respond very quickly.
“Our team is constantly working at the facility, so we are always available if the security staff needs our assistance,” Govel says.
How to Find the Right Installer
When looking for an integrator to install a new security system at hospitals, Stephen Govel, president of Service Works Inc. (SWI), suggests talking to a consultant who is familiar with the hospital environment and is knowledgeable about security installations.
“Consultants have a really good handle on which integrators can do what type of work, and then those are the only qualified companies that the hospital should invite to the bid table,” he says. “Sometimes hospitals don’t go that route because they are trying to save a couple of dollars, but it’s not a bad idea to use a consultant. Since most hospitals do not have the expertise or resources internally to formulate a solid request for proposal (RFP), the consultant can be an invaluable tool to help the hospital mitigate the risk associated with getting a security contractor not fully qualified for the job.”
Once the consultant has helped decision make
rs narrow down their top three or four choices, it is the hospital’s duty to research what these companies have to offer.
“Go out to the integrator’s facilities to see if they stock adequate parts to do the required work ,” he stresses. “The hospital really has to do the due diligence and examine who they want to bid for the job. At least they will know they have qualified people interested to provide good service, and they will feel comfortable with the company that wins the bid.”
Related articles:
- “How Safe Is Your Campus?” Survey Results: Hospitals
- Mission Possible: Campus Security Systems Integration
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