30/01/2020
Stanton Territorial Hospital in Yellowknife, Canada, is embracing behavioral health workers to add an extra layer of security for patients and staff. The new security workers operate on the psychiatric floor and in the emergency department. As opposed to traditional security guards, the behavioral health security guards are “really involved in the patient experience,” according to Jenna Scarfe, the hospital’s manager of mental health services. As such, the behavioral health security guards do not wear traditional security uniforms, and often participate in activities and spend time with patients. Along with regular surveillance checks, their job is to help address patients’ immediate needs, recognize potential risks, and de-escalate situations, if needed. Scarfe said the behavioral health security guards have already made the nurses feel safer in an environment where a disgruntled patient could try to physically harm hospital staff.
What an innovative approach. Now something we are adding into our risk management solutions toolbox for Hospitals. Visit Lions Gate Security Risk Assessments https://lgrmg.ca/services/security-risk-management/ and then click the support button. We’re here to help and guide.
From: Yellowknife’s New Hospital Is Doing Security Differently From “Yellowknife’s New Hospital Is Doing Security Differently” CBC News (Canada) (01/28/20) Kyle, Kate
