Can there be too much hospital security?

Facilities question whether their security plans are enough - or too much


After recent incidents, healthcare facilities are questioning whether their security plans are enough — or too much, according to an article on the Fierce Healthcare website.

A November study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, said that increased violence prevention efforts by hospitals will save lives — and money. And "even if the intervention cost a little more than it saved in dollars and cents to the healthcare system, there would still be a net benefit in terms of the violence it prevented," Jonathan Purtle, Ph.D., one of the study authors, said.

Some feel that adding extra security measures such as metal detectors or even a hospital-specific police force would send the wrong message to patients.

Despite a recent violent incident, the Exodus Mental Health Urgent Care Center in California does not provide its guards with weapons and doesn't plan to, according to the L.A. Daily News. It also doesn't use metal detectors because the agency wants the facility to feel "warm and homelike." 

Read the article.

 

 



February 2, 2015


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Building Envelopes Emerge As Key Facility Components

From enclosure commissioning and air-moisture control to decarbonization and thermal comfort, exterior systems affect energy efficiency and resilience.


Catholic Medical Center Breaks Ground on New Central Energy Plant

The new central energy plant is expected to be completed in early 2027.


Cottage Hospital Ensnared in Data Breach

On December 8, 2025, Cottage Hospital learned that an unauthorized party gained access to its computer network and took some of its files.


Biofilm 'Life Raft' Changes C. Auris Risk

Microscopic survival structure protects fungal pathogen from disinfectants and help it survive for long periods.


How Healthcare Restrooms Are Rethinking Water Efficiency

Manufacturers discuss strategies, technologies and design approaches that help healthcare facilities meet their sustainability goals.


 
 


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.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.