Quick Links
HFM Daily
HFM Daily offers blog coverage by the award-winning HFM editorial team and links to in-depth information on health care design, construction, engineering, environmental services, operations and technology. You can read HFM Daily stories on this page or subscribe to Health Facilities Management This Week for a Friday roundup of the week's posts.
Design's role in ensuring secure health care facilities
Secure facilities are essential to patient care, and paying careful attention to architectural features can make hospitals safer and more inviting for patients. Read the related article "Hospital designs to bolster security."
The main entrance reception counter at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia enables security staff to conduct identity checks and issue entry badges.
The emergency department expansion at Detroit Medical Center's (DMC) Sinai Grace Hospital was designed with security in mind, including a separate parking lot for ED traffic and nighttime illumination.
DMC's open lobby is monitored by security cameras.
DMC's nurses stations are positioned near exam bays for close monitoring.
Fairview Southdale Hospital's emergency department expansion features a double vestibule at the entrance monitored by security personnel.
Fairview's bullet-resistant desk replaced glass for a more welcoming registration area.
Fairview built a separate, secure area for behavioral health patients is designed to provide additional protection.
Fairview's waiting area is divided into smaller, more intimate spaces to provide increased privacy.