Hospital security is crucial to protect patients, staff and visitors. It is essential to guarantee the quality of care and the smooth running of the hospital or university hospital. Effective safety management also enhances patient confidence and staff satisfaction.
The challenge of safety in university hospitals
Hospitals face a variety of safety challenges. These include hospital-acquired infections, medical errors, cyber attacks and the physical security of infrastructures. These problems can compromise the health of patients and the well-being of staff, as well as the reputation of healthcare establishments. From another angle, data from the Observatoire National des Violences en milieu de Santé (ONVS – National Observatory on Violence in the Healthcare Environment) have for several years highlighted the fact that nearly 20,000 reports of violence against healthcare professionals are received every year. .
I. A 360° view of hospital safety
Hospital safety: a comprehensive, integrated system
Hospital security is more than the sum of its parts. It’s a comprehensive, integrated system that encompasses all aspects of hospital life, from infection prevention to cyber-attacks, as well as infrastructure and personnel security.
A holistic approach to a safe hospital environment
This system is based on a holistic approach that takes into account the interdependencies between the various components of safety. For example, good hand hygiene contributes both to the prevention of nosocomial infections and to the protection of staff and patients. Similarly, infrastructure security is essential not only to ensure the safety of patients and staff, but also to protect confidential data. Finally, hospitals such as Arpajon have introduced safety charters and rules of conduct for communicating with users.
The interdependence of hospital safety components
Effective hospital safety depends on collaboration and communication between all hospital stakeholders. Management teams, healthcare professionals, administrative staff and patients themselves all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and efficient environment.
II. Who’s in charge of hospital security?
A collective commitment to enhanced hospital safety
Hospital safety is a shared responsibility that involves everyone in the facility. Each group plays a crucial role in implementing and maintaining a safe, high-performance environment.
Key players in hospital safety
Safety Teams
These professionals are responsible for surveillance and incident response. They monitor entrances, patrol facilities and respond to security alarms. At Grenoble University Hospital, as in many other hospitals, a dedicated security team constantly monitors the premises to prevent intrusions and ensure the peace of mind of patients and staff. The Bichat hospital in Paris has recently reinforced its security with the addition of 7 agents to ensure the safety of its staff.
Directors
Hospital administrators define security policies, allocate resources and oversee security initiatives. They often work closely with security teams to ensure that protocols are respected and incidents are handled appropriately. The Nice University Hospital administration has strict protocols in place for access management and data protection .
Medical Staff
Doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals also play a key role. They follow safety protocols to prevent nosocomial infections, manage medical emergencies and ensure patient safety. Nurses at Hôpital Saint-Joseph in Paris are trained to recognize and rapidly manage signs of distress in patients.
Specific roles and responsibilities within the hospital
Safety teams
Security teams are responsible for a number of crucial aspects of hospital security. They carry out regular security audits to identify and correct vulnerabilities. For example, they may check surveillance systems and access protocols. They also put in place emergency plans, such as evacuation procedures in the event of fire. Managing access to sensitive areas is one of their responsibilities, using access badges to restrict entry to critical areas. Finally, they educate and train staff in safety practices, ensuring that everyone knows emergency procedures and how to behave in a crisis situation.
Directors
Hospital administrators play an essential role in defining and implementing safety policy. They establish guidelines and protocols to ensure everyone’s safety. They also allocate the necessary resources, from budgets for safety equipment to dedicated surveillance staff. Their role includes ensuring compliance with local and national regulations, making sure the hospital meets safety standards. They also communicate on safety issues, making all staff aware of the importance of safe practices.
The Fédération hospitalière de France (FHF) and the Direction générale de l’offre de soins (DGOS) have published a document setting out the key points required to implement a safety policy in healthcare facilities. This concise, practical document is designed to help healthcare establishments reinforce their safety policy according to the 3 levels of prevention (primary, secondary, tertiary), based on 6 actions: ANALYZE, DESIGN, SUPPORT, ORGANIZE, TRAIN and COMMUNICATE.
Visit Medical Staff
Medical staff, including doctors and nurses, have specific safety responsibilities. They must strictly adhere to care protocols to avoid medical errors and nosocomial infections. They are also required to report incidents and medical errors immediately, contributing to a culture of transparency and continuous improvement. Participation in safety training courses is mandatory to keep abreast of new safety practices and technologies. In addition, they advise patients on safety issues, such as how to avoid falls or infections.
According to the WHO, quality healthcare can be defined in many ways, but it is increasingly accepted worldwide that it should be :
- effective, i.e. based on facts and delivered to those who need it;
- safe, i.e. avoid harming those who benefit from them; and
- person-centered, i.e. matching the preferences, needs and values of each individual.
Patients and families
Patients and their families also have a role to play in hospital safety. They must follow safety instructions provided by medical staff, such as rules for moving around sensitive areas or hygiene protocols. They are encouraged to report any incidents or dangerous situations they may observe, thus contributing to the rapid detection of problems. Their participation in safety awareness initiatives, such as information sessions or prevention campaigns, is also crucial to maintaining a safe environment.
Coordination and communication: the key to efficient hospital management
Collaboration and communication between different teams are essential for effective hospital safety management. Regular meetings, information sharing and training exercises help strengthen coordination and ensure a rapid, consistent response to incidents.
III. The 5 key aspects of hospital and university hospital safety
1. Patient safety at the heart of the hospital’s concerns
Prevention of Nosocomial Infections
Hospitals implement strict hygiene measures and sterilization protocols to prevent nosocomial infections, which are infections contracted in a healthcare facility. For example, the systematic use of hand sanitizers and sterilizers for surgical instruments is crucial. In France, around 5% of hospitalized patients contract a nosocomial infection, i.e. almost 750,000 cases a year.
Medication management
Medication safety is essential to avoid medication errors, which can have serious consequences. Errors include misadministration of medication, incorrect dosing, and dangerous drug interactions. Hospitals use barcode verification systems and automated hospital pharmacies to minimize these risks. A study by the French National Authority for Health (HAS) reveals that medication errors affect around 10% of hospitalized patients in France.
Foch Hospital in Suresnes has adopted medication management technologies, including dispensing robots and barcode prescription verification systems, to reduce medication errors.
Healthcare Safety and Prevention of Nosocomial Infections
Protocols minimize medical errors and ensure quality care. For example, pre-surgery checklists help verify each crucial step. Hospitals implement strict hygiene measures and sterilization protocols. For example, the use of disinfectants and sterilizers helps prevent nosocomial infections, thereby protecting the health of patients and staff. An AEIAS is an adverse and unexpected event (not related to the natural course of the disease) associated with acts of care and support, which has or could have had consequences for the patient, and which deviates from the expected results or expectations of care. The termEIGS is used when the consequences are death, a life-threatening situation or the probable occurrence of a permanent functional deficit, including a congenital anomaly or malformation.
2. Hospital staff safety: an essential pillar
Occupational Risk Prevention
Occupational risk prevention is essential to protect hospital staff from work-related accidents and illnesses. The main risks include infections, sharps injuries, chemical exposure and musculoskeletal disorders, which will be discussed below.
- Infection risks: Healthcare professionals are particularly exposed to pathogens. Solutions include the systematic use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks and gowns. In Paris, Hôpital Saint-Antoine has implemented strict protocols for disinfectant use and instrument sterilization, reducing nosocomial infections by 15% in one year.
- Sharp injuries: Needles and other sharp objects present a risk of injury and infection. The use of safety devices, such as retractable needles and sharps containers, is an effective preventive measure. A study by the French National Authority for Health (HAS) shows that these devices have reduced needlestick injuries by 50% in some French hospitals.
- Chemical exposure: Cleaning products and cytotoxic drugs can be hazardous. Regular training in the safe handling of these substances and the use of fume hoods are solutions to minimize risks. For example, Lille University Hospital has introduced monthly training courses for staff, reducing incidents of chemical exposure by 30%.
Aggression Management
As we saw earlier, assaults account for some 30,000 attacks on individuals and 5,000 attacks on property every year, according to the ONVS. Verbal and physical assaults on hospital staff are a growing problem. Nurses account for 45% of victims of such violence. Hospitals are therefore implementing protocols to protect their staff and respond rapidly to incidents.
- Protection protocols: Protocols include staff training in conflict management and non-violent communication. Regular training in crisis management is also provided. The Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris has trained its staff in mediation and observed a 20% reduction in assaults.
- Early Warning Systems: Early warning systems, such as portable alarm buttons, enable staff to call for help immediately in the event of an attack. These devices are connected directly to the security teams. Grenoble University Hospital has equipped its staff with alarm badges, reducing the response time of security teams to less than two minutes.
- Presence of security guards: Security guards regularly patrol sensitive areas and intervene in the event of an incident. They act as a deterrent and intervene in dangerous situations. The Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou in Paris has reinforced its security presence, which has contributed to a significant reduction in incidents of violence.
Ergonomics in the hospital workplace
Workstation ergonomics are crucial to preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which are common in the hospital environment. Ergonomic problems can lead to pain, disability and reduced quality of life for staff.
- Ergonomic problems: Problems include static working positions, repetitive movements, and heavy lifting. These factors can lead to back, shoulder and limb pain.
- Engendered pathologies: Common MSDs include low back pain, tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. These pathologies can lead to prolonged work stoppages and reduced work efficiency.
- Ergonomic solutions: Solutions include designing workstations with ergonomic furniture, such as adjustable chairs and height-adjustable tables. The use of patient lifting equipment and the reorganization of tasks to minimize repetitive movements are also effective. For example, the Bordeaux University Hospital introduced ergonomic chairs and lifting systems for staff, reducing RSI by 25%.
3. Hospital infrastructure security: a reliable environment
Fire safety
Fire safety in hospitals is crucial to protect patients, staff and infrastructure. Fire detection and suppression systems, as well as regular evacuation drills, play an essential role in fire prevention and management.
Hospitals and clinics are public and private healthcare establishments respectively, and are therefore type U public-access establishments. They are classified as category 1 if their capacity exceeds 1,500 people.
Since hospitalization requires treatment lasting more than 12 hours, they are necessarily equipped with sleeping quarters. As ERP with sleeping quarters, hospitals and clinics are therefore subject to periodic inspections by the safety commission.
Detection systems: Hospitals use various types of sensors to detect early signs of fire. Smoke detectors are the most common, but they are often complemented by heat detectors, carbon monoxide sensors and manual alarm systems. These devices are interconnected to ensure rapid and effective detection. The Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou uses a combination of optical and ionic smoke detectors to maximize fire detection.
Extinguishing systems: In the event of fire, automatic extinguishing systems such as sprinklers play a crucial role. These systems are designed to activate automatically when a heat sensor detects a high temperature indicative of a fire. Hospitals such as CHU Lille and CHU Montpellier have installed sprinklers in all critical areas to ensure optimum protection.
Common sources of fire starts: The main sources of fire in hospitals include faulty electrical equipment, hospital kitchens, improperly stored flammable products, and human error. Electrical overloads and short circuits are frequent causes of fire outbreaks. Fires can also be triggered by flammable building materials or faulty heating systems.
Prevention and Preparedness: In addition to detection and extinguishing systems, hospitals implement preventive measures such as regular inspections of electrical equipment, strict management of chemicals and flammables, and staff training in fire safety protocols. Regular evacuation drills ensure that all staff and patients are familiar with emergency procedures and can evacuate quickly and safely should the need arise. Nantes University Hospital, for example, organizes quarterly evacuation drills and has set up a continuous training program for staff on fire safety.
Figures on hospital fires: According to the French Ministry of the Interior, around 250 fires break out in French healthcare facilities every year. Although many of these fires are small-scale, thanks to detection and extinguishing systems, they do represent a significant risk and require rigorous preparation.
Access Control
Access control is crucial to the safety of hospitals, where thousands of people circulate every day.
For example, a major hospital such as the CHU de Bordeaux sees an average of 6,000 patients a day. The AP-HP (Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris) sees around 8 million patients every year.
To manage this massive flow of people, hospitals use a variety of access control tools.
- Identification badges, for example, are issued to all staff members, including the 240,000 AP-HP employees, to restrict access to sensitive areas.
- Surveillance cameras cover entrances, exits and strategic areas to prevent intrusions and monitor suspicious activity.
- Electronic access control systems, such as card readers and security doors, prevent unauthorized persons from entering critical areas such as intensive care units, laboratories and IT departments.
4. Hospital IT security: a crucial issue in the digital age
Data protection
Security measures protect sensitive data against cyber-attacks. This includes encryption and firewalls to guarantee the confidentiality and integrity of medical information. In addition, the European Data Protection Regulation aims to strengthen people’s rights and make players more accountable. IT security measures protect sensitive data from cyber-attacks, guaranteeing the confidentiality and integrity of medical information. The use of encryption and firewalls is essential to protect patients’ medical records.
For example, in 2020, a ransomware attack hit several hospitals in France, highlighting the importance of IT security. Rouen University Hospital was affected, but thanks to robust backup systems and firewalls, data was quickly restored, minimizing disruption. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) strengthens the protection of personal data by imposing strict security and confidentiality standards.
Access Management
Strict control of access to hospital IT systems is crucial to ensuring data confidentiality. Only authorized users can access sensitive information, reducing the risk of data breaches.
For example, the Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou uses identity and access management (IAM) systems to restrict access to medical records, assigning specific levels of access according to employee roles. This approach has reduced incidents of internal data breaches by 40%.
Training and Awareness
Staff training and awareness programs in IT security best practices are essential to reduce the risk of data breaches.
A study conducted by AP-HP revealed that hospitals with regular IT security training reduced security incidents linked to human error by 25%. Bordeaux University Hospital, for its part, organizes quarterly training sessions on cyber threats and phishing techniques, which has considerably improved staff vigilance and reduced successful attempts.
5. Safety for hospital visitors, for a serene welcome
Guidance and Information
Effective orientation and information are crucial to the safety and comfort of visitors to hospitals. Clear signage reduces the risk of incidents and confusion.
For example, Hôpital Saint-Joseph in Paris has installed bilingual directional signs and interactive maps at each entrance, enabling visitors to find their way around easily. In addition, digital information screens provide real-time updates and emergency instructions. According to a study by Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), these improvements have reduced confusion incidents by 30% and improved travel efficiency by 20%.
Hospital maps, available in paper and digital versions, guide visitors to the various units, minimizing the risk of disorientation and incidents. CHU Lyon uses interactive kiosks to help visitors find their way quickly, enhancing the overall experience and safety.
Flow Control
Efficient visitor flow management prevents congestion and ensures a safe environment. For example, reservation and visitor management systems reduce congestion.
Cocoparks has developed a solution made in France that is 20 to 50 times more efficient than traditional devices for smart hospital parking. The Cocoparks solution cuts the time it takes to find a place by 30% to 50%. The impact: improve QWL, safety and reduce pollution without compromising on decarbonization and energy sobriety.
Theft Prevention
Preventing theft is crucial to protecting the property of patients, visitors and staff. In France, around 1,200 incidents of theft are reported in hospitals every year. Patients and visitors, often distracted by medical concerns, are the main victims.
Security measures include secure lockers, such as those installed at Hôpital de la Timone, and surveillance cameras, such as the 300 cameras deployed at Strasbourg’s CHU, reducing thefts by 25% in two years. This is also the case at Dunkirk University Hospital. The presence of security personnel, regular patrols and early warning systems complete these systems, as at the Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou, where night patrols have helped to reduce the number of thefts.
IV. The sinews of war: finding security guards
For optimum security, it’s all about the teams and their quality. Finding quality security guards is a difficult task, especially given the demand for recruitment in this field and the number of security guards available. In this context, the following companies and sites offer services to remedy this problem:
LeadAdvisor
Lead Advisor Security is a French startup created in November 2017. It offers to put you in touch with security providers. To request a quote, click here.
BSL
BSL is a major security and safety company working for major groups such as Indigo, SNCF etc… one division deals with security for university hospitals.
ONET
Onet is a major business services group. One division deals with hospital security. Services range from security and cleaning to a range of complementary offerings.
Find out more about their offer here.
OGERIS
SECURIT SOLUTIONS
Securit Solutions is a small company specializing in safety and security.
https://www.securitsolutions.fr/agent-de-securite-hospitalier/
ARMOR SOLUTIONS
Armure Solutions is a small security company for shops, businesses and hospitals. It has 20 agents.
