IP Camera Video Surveillance for Hospitals

Copyright (c) 2009 Wes Fernley

In hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities, it cannot be stressed enough how important video surveillance is. It not only increases the security within the facility, but also controls costs. The patients are protected, the employees are protected, and the administration can keep an eye on the employees in order to increase productivity. To make this possible, Internet Protocol cameras, or IP cameras are being utilized in many healthcare facilities due to the fact that remote video monitoring is possible.

Benefits of Hospital Video Surveillance

Security and safety is increased - Crimes, break-ins, and injuries to patients and employees are prevented or documented if they occur within the hospital. This also allows the hospital personnel to monitor patients and watch out for unauthorized visitors.

Productivity - If employees know they are being watched, their productivity will increase. Communication can improve, the administration knows what is going on, and more will get done.

Prevent dishonesty - There are times when a visitor or a patient may state that they were injured on the hospital's property. When there is visual evidence through IP cameras, these claims can be proved either way. This can save the hospital from being sued, which can save them money in their insurance premiums.

Take care of employee disputes - If two employees are in the middle of a dispute, the visual proof can put an end to it. It is amazing what surveillance cameras can do in this instance.

Monitor in real-time - There is no having to go back and watch a recording of footage. You can do that if you wish, but you can also watch what is going on in real-time.

Storage - IP-based surveillance systems can take advantage of digital storage. The footage is recorded on network servers, on hard drives, or on NVRs. This makes the footage easily accessible to those who have authorization to view it. Searching is also made easier through digital recordings.

Remote monitoring - Remote monitoring is an important aspect of IP cameras for the fact that what is going on within the hospital can be viewed from a remote location. If an administrator needs to view a particular area of the hospital while they are vacationing in Mexico, they can. If they want to check in while they are at home, they can. All they need is access to the IP camera's network via the Internet.

An Assessment of the Risks

As with anything, there are risks associated with monitoring a hospital through surveillance systems. Those risks include:

Relying too much on the video surveillance system because physical security is also very important.

Making sure patient privacy is respected. The IP cameras should monitor those areas that are open to the public and nothing more.

Tampering is a risk with any security system. The video signal can be lost if there is any tampering with the system. There should be alternatives put in place in order to make up for a signal that is interrupted. This includes vandal resistant IP cameras or installing the cameras in areas out of reach by intruders.

Setting Up Your System

Make sure there is a view of all entrances and exits so everyone going in and out can be seen.

Monitor the hallways to keep watch over visitors and the overall flow of activity.

Make sure fire escapes and elevators are covered.

Make sure the parking lots are within view, as well as loading areas.

Restricted areas need to be monitored.