Blog

Is your hospital easy to navigate?

It is important to have proper signage and security officers positioned strategically throughout a hospital campus so visitors can safely arrive at their destination

By Ken Bukowski/ Special to Healthcare Facilities Today


Hospital campuses vary greatly and can be confusing to visitors when they are trying to get to a specific destination. Some facilities stand alone. Others are in the middle of a city and have buildings surrounding it that are not associated with the hospital. In addition to campus location, it can be unclear of where to park and how to enter a hospital facility. 

Additionally, visitors might find that navigating their way around a hospital once inside can be challenging. There are areas where only patients can be, special rooms for visitors and restricted zones for hospital employees. Without proper signage, individuals would never find their way; policies and procedures may be ignored causing safety concerns and just imagine the mass chaos that could erupt during an emergency.

It is important to have proper signage and security officers positioned strategically throughout a hospital campus so visitors can safely arrive at their destination in a timely manner.

Security officers will most likely be the first point of contact for information. They can alert visitors of areas to avoid during their visit if an event is taking place, educate them on a sign’s meaning if it is an image or provide them with directions to their destination.  

Furthermore, security officers can be a great resource for visitors as they can offer to escort individuals to their desired location. The benefit of this added level of customer service is an increase in visitor awareness, which can reflect upon patient satisfaction scores. Officers should also have hospital maps available for visitors if they prefer to navigate on their own.

Hospital management should educate their security team to make sure they understand what their facility’s image signs signify. Management should also include the security team in assessment meetings to receive their feedback on signage. Additionally, security officers should be strategically positioned at all entrance points, whether it is a main entrance or parking area, to help visitors when they arrive. Security officers can be a helpful resource during a visit so individuals can remain focused on a positive hospital experience.

Bukowski is the vice president of healthcare, AlliedBarton Security Services.

 



August 13, 2014


Topic Area: Blogs


Recent Posts

Probiotic Cleaners: The Start of a Cleaning Revolution?

Advantages of probiotic cleaning include fewer resistant genes and cost savings through decreased antibiotic use.


Gun Incident Highlights Need for Security Infrastructure

A man was arrested at Aultman Memorial Hospital after allegedly firing a gun in the ER.


Creative Solutions in Healthcare Acquires 5 Skilled Nursing Facilities

Each location is planned to begin substantial upgrades to infrastructure and resident services.


Over 700 Hospitals at Risk of Closure

Hospitals are citing financial problems at the main cause of potential closure.


Astrana Health Fully Acquires Prospect Health

They completed the acquisition of Prospect Health for a total purchase price of $708 million.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.