After multidisciplinary committees evaluated the hospital’s safety protocols “in order to maintain the highest level of safety possible,” CHI St. Vincent determined “it would be more beneficial at this time to focus resources on how to improve security throughout the hospital,” according to a statement sent to Becker’s. The off-duty officers were only located in the ED.
CHI St. Vincent is also currently adding new security measures across all of its campuses and departments, according to the statement, and has good relationships with law enforcement.
“Those partnerships, in addition to an active, full-time security team, help us ensure the safety of patients and co-workers,” the statement reads.
According to a KARK report, two other hospitals in Little Rock — Baptist Health Medical Center and Arkansas Children’s Hospital — have off-duty police officers providing armed security in their ERs, while UAMS Medical Center in Little Rock has its own police force.
More articles on hospital security:
Woman claims University of Minnesota Medical Center failed to protect her from sexual assault
Brigham and Women’s launches new security campaign to prevent ‘piggybacking’
Kansas passes exemption of conceal and carry law for hospitals
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.