Healthcare Security Audit Demonstrates Cuddles System Success

When the time came to update the infant security system on the maternity floor of Montrose Memorial Hospital in Montrose, Colorado the staff looked at several options. The old system was outdated and the number of false alarms was concerning to Coral Ann Hackett, Director of the Family Center at Montrose Memorial. JCAHO and AWHONN recommend an infant protection security system be in place, so they began a search to update their system.

A hospital committee had a difficult decision to make in choosing the best security system among the six systems that were evaluated. Several criteria were taken into consideration, including ease of use, quick staff ramp-up time, and the risk of false alarms. After a lengthy review process, they decided on the Cuddles infant protection system from Accutech.

The Importance of Preventing False Alarms

“One of the key factors to us was the low instance of false alarms as well as a local source for support and maintenance. We wouldn’t be dependent on technicians having to fly in or support it remotely. They could be on-site quickly if we needed them,” says Ms. Hackett.

False alarms on maternity floors are disruptive and upsetting to new parents and can harm the quiet environment fostered by nursing staff. They may also lead to alarm fatigue, which reduces the urgency required to respond. Accutech Security products operate at a unique frequency just below the maximum requirement mandated by the Department of Defense. This makes the system one of the most interference free on the market so false alarm rates are very low.

The soft band used by the Cuddles system is also not affected by infant weight loss so a loose band won’t fall off and generate an alarm. These "too loose" alarms are a common occurrence with other systems and can significantly increase alarm fatigue and response time.

A Healthcare Security Audit of The Cuddles Infant Protection System

The audit was an immediate success. “It did exactly what it was supposed to do.  It was perfect,” said Ms. Hackett,  “It worked so well we had to let the person off the floor to allow the rest of the hospital to participate in the drill.”

A hospital-wide “Code Pink” was issued as the volunteer continued into the main hospital area. She was stopped swiftly and repeatedly by both hospital staff and security officers and never made it to the outside entrance. The Accutech Cuddles infant protection system worked flawlessly and reinforced the decision of Montrose Memorial to select and install it.

The success of the security audit was reassuring to Ms. Hackett and the staff at Montrose Memorial. They know that if the day ever comes when a genuine security situation occurs the response will be quick and decisive. The Cuddles system from Accutech gives the hospital team the ability to concentrate their attention (and love) on their tiny new patients.

Audit Your Healthcare Facilities Security System

Navigating the ever-changing landscape of healthcare security requires expertise and reliable resources. Accutech Security is here to help, offering high-level security audits to healthcare facilities that are looking to update their "Code Pink" policies and procedures.

With tailored feedback designed to improve your institution's overall safety, Accutech Security can be relied on as a trusted, knowledgeable resource for all of your healthcare security needs. Contact us now to take advantage of our free audit!