As the UK and its national health service continues to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, one South East hospital has taken physical security measures to help contain the spread of the virus and manage infection control.
Milton Keynes University Hospital has installed a Videx VX2200 door entry system, with 5178 hands-free audio units and touch-free entry points.
And, by opting for a touch-free entry solution, the hospital has been able to reduce physical contact between people to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Four independent units were installed by ST Fire and Security in different buildings on the hospital site.
One was installed at The Campbell Centre, a 38-bed acute inpatient mental health unit; while another system was fitted in the hospital’s dental surgery. The others are sited at the entrance of urgent care and in the Eaglestone Health Centre, a specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) facility.
Our access control range has proved hugely popular in recent months as minimal contact remains key to reducing the spread of the Coronavirus
Simon Turpin, owner of ST Fire and Security, said: “The Videx VX2200 system with hands-free audio apartment station and touch-free entry points delivers huge benefits to the hospital by safeguarding patient, visitor and NHS staff safety as well providing easy and convenient access.
“The new system reduces waiting times as when a visitor uses it, someone in the building is immediately notified and will come to see them to complete entry.
“The Videx kit is the only one on the market currently that can offer convenient access in a touch-free way and they are highly useful in helping the hospital ensure people stick to the designated one-way system in place.”
As well as providing touch-free access, the Videx system has replaced an existing solution that had failed, affecting secure and convenient access to and from The Campbell Centre.
The Videx kit is the only one on the market currently that can offer convenient access in a touch-free way and they are highly useful in helping the hospital ensure people stick to the designated one-way system in place
The Videx solution means no patient or member of staff is waiting for access into the secure mental health unit, safeguarding patients and employees.
Ben Davies, South East sales manager at Videx UK, said: “Our access control range has proved hugely popular in recent months as minimal contact remains key to reducing the spread of the Coronavirus.
“The range offers both exit buttons and entrance panels in a touch-free format using infrared sensor technology, providing a no-touch solution for hospitals as they focus on creating a COVID-secure environment for staff, patients and visitors.
“Proximity access control can also be added, allowing authorised personnel to enter buildings touch free, which is particularly useful for hospitals and other NHS buildings such as GP surgeries and urgent care facilities.”