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

IAQ and Infection Mitigation: Plans Into Actions

To support quality patient care and ensure compliance, managers must stay ahead of environmental and IAQ risks.


Case Study: How NYU Langone Rebuilt for Resilience After Superstorm Sandy

Although the damage was severe, it provided a valuable opportunity for NYU Langone to assess structural vulnerabilities and increase facility resilience.


Dayton Children's Hospital Announces New Rehabilitative Services Building

The new location will feature convenient surface parking, outdoor space to aid in healing and a single-level layout.


The Debate on Laundering Microfibers in Healthcare

Should microfibers be single-use or reusable? Researchers have opinions on both.


Construction Begins for New Cancer Center at OhioHealth's Administrative Campus

The project’s completion date is estimated for late 2028.


 
 


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.