Control Receives Comments

Contact: Peter Wright, 888-8301

09/25/2006

For Immediate Release


Copley officials are pleased to report that the “access control” project at the hospital a technology that ensures safety and security, is complete.   Last spring the hospital’s Environmental Services Department began the process of securing both interior and exterior entries.  This was possible thanks to a grant provided by the Health Resources and Services Administration as part of emergency preparedness enhancement.  “The new system allows for better control of our entries, providing a higher level of security,” states Betty Ewen, Copley Security Manager. 
 
Copley officials began taking the necessary steps to ensure the security for all with a new system that provides controlled access throughout the hospital.    For patients, visitors and staff, security emphasizes how Copley cares about their safety.  “While the enhancements are important to the security of our patients and staff some visitors have expressed them as an inconvenience,” noted Copley Senior Director of Facilities, Support Services and Real Estate Operations, Carol Ferrante. 
 
Ferrante noted the tightened security that has created the most controversy is the entry from Physical Therapy on to the Medical Surgical unit (patient floor).  For many years, visitors and patients have accessed the hospital through this entry.   “Although the change may seem inconvenient, our patient’s have expressed an appreciation for the reduction in noise and improvement of their privacy.  The safety and security of our patients and staff is paramount,” continued Ferrante.  “It’s not that we were doing something wrong all those years, it’s that we are making improvements to better serve our patients, visitors and staff,” added Ewen.
 
Other areas affected by the enhancements include locking of all doors, except for the Emergency Department entrance, at 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Visitors to the hospital on the weekend need to enter through the Emergency Department.  
 
“We understand that change is difficult and hope that our patients and visitors understand that we are doing this to keep everyone safe,” commented Ewen. 

Contact Information
Peter Wright
Senior Director Planning, Development and Group Medical Operations
Copley Health Systems
802-888-8301
pwright@chsi.org