First defense. Using design elements to strengthen security efforts.

Abstract

Security is on every health care facility's agenda these days. They wonder what they can or should do to prepare for terrorist attacks, while facing the same security concerns they always have in the emergency room, maternity ward and pharmacies. While there is no shortage of suggested "solutions" out there, facilities first need to take a step back and assess what their needs are. And while some existing facilities are too often stuck with "reactionary" security--adding metal detectors to an ER after a shooting, or putting cameras on a storage area that has experienced thefts, for example--those hospitals undergoing new construction may now have a golden opportunity to be more proactive.