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

Life Sciences and Healthcare: Reshaping Institutional Design

Examining the way leaders address the increased pressures and prolonged project timelines can reveal best practices and delivery models.


Arnprior Regional Health Upgrades Building Controls to Improve IEQ

Case study: They wanted to improve the hospital facility’s IEQ to support patient care and reduce long-term operating costs.


Oregon Health & Science University Opens Vista Pavilion

Vista immediately adds 128 new inpatient beds; once it is fully built out, it will expand OHSU Hospital’s capacity by about one-third.


The Growing Crisis in Rural Healthcare Facilities

Outdated buildings, reactive planning and complex funding are forcing rural leaders to rethink their strategies.


A Cleaning Alternative: The Benefits of Steam Technology

Cleaning is essential in healthcare facilities, but traditional disinfectants have harmful chemicals. Researchers say that steam technology may be the solution.


 
 


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.