Public Sector
Porter Adventist Hospital Ups Access
By Al Edwards - 10.2007

DENVER--Porter Adventist Hospital security director Kelli Dahl was aware of the jokes made about the hospital's access control system, and she made sure that the new solution was held to higher standards.

Working with systems integrator Forge Technology, Porter Adventist recently changed its access control system from push button locks with security codes, to an integrated swipe-card locking system that only allows entry to authorized card users.

"We were using a system before where you only needed a key or needed to know a code to have access to a site," Dahl said. "The problem with that was the code would get out and every time an employee left you needed to change the code. It became sort of a joke where everyone knew the code. We've eliminated that risk immediately with this new system."

That change made the hospital more secure by controlling access to certain departments, and mitigating risks such as property thefts, vandalism and unathorized individuals accessing areas, Dahl said. In addition to the technology, officials also modified internal security procedures. Previously, if an employee knew the code or had a key, they could access a department. Now, employees must have a written reason signed by their direct supervisor to add access areas to their card. The manager of the requested department must confirm or deny the request. If confirmed, human resources signs off on the request.

"That just adds another level of protection," Dahl said.

Tags: Project Profile, Access, Healthcare