Infant abduction puts spotlight on maternity ward security

Hospitals nationwide have upped security measures in their nurseries in recent years


A spotlight is on security in Montana maternity wards after a woman who tested positive for methamphetamine fled an Anaconda hospital with her newborn just hours later, according to an article on The Montana Standard website. 

Hospitals nationwide have upped security measures in their nurseries in recent years to prevent infant abductions, according to the FBI.

But it’s unclear how the woman skirted security at the Community Hospital of Anaconda to abduct the newborn.

In Butte, St. James Healthcare increased security in its birthing area about five years ago. In the past, anyone could walk up to the nursery window to look at the newborns. Today, a locked door leads into the birthing area and nursery, and only nurses have authority to allow people to enter, the article said.

No one leaves the ward without passing a nurses’ station staffed around the clock and the four video cameras that monitor hallways and doors, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Read the article.

 

 



June 26, 2014


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Making Multi-Site Lighting Upgrades Work

Success requires a program structure that connects audits, financial analysis, rebate administration, procurement, scheduling and closeout documentation.


Designing a Positive Care Destination for Children

The new Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital reimagines the healthcare experience to create an environment that feels welcoming from arrival to discharge.


Blackbird Health Opens 10th Clinic in Pennsylvania

The Bala Cynwyd clinic represents Blackbird Health's 13th location overall.


Healthcare Construction Infection Control: Essential CDC Guidelines for Active Facilities

Construction and renovations happen, but that doesn’t mean infection prevention can take a backseat. The CDC has some recommendations for maintaining best practices during construction.


Protecting the Most Vulnerable: Inside the NICU

SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital leaders share how maintaining power, air quality and essential systems helps protect patients during their most vulnerable moments.


 
 


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.