Axis IP video surveillance provides central security control and management support for Ethekwini Hospital & Heart Centre

Mission

Durban-based Ethekwini Hospital & Heart Centre is a state-of-the-art facility committed to taking customer service to new heights. Born from the dreams of businessman and surgeon, Dr Diliza Mji, it truly transforms private medical care in South Africa. 

Tragically, hospitals are no longer unaffected by the wide-spread crime affecting other businesses in South Africa. True to their calling to provide exceptional standards of service to their patients, Ethekwini Hospital has identified the safety and security of its staff, patients, visitors and property as a priority. The hospital is a huge complex, housing highly sophisticated and expensive equipment and systems in various locations and wards on four floors and offering its visitors 420 parking bays. 

Solution

After considering several tenders, Intelligent Building (Pty) Ltd, a division of the First Technology Group, was mandated to run the project. They are known for their innovative approach by taking advantage of converged technologies. Intelligent Building went on to design a video camera system over IP networks using Axis network cameras, linked to an operational room from where security officials can effectively control the building, parking area and all entrances. An unobtrusive yet functional security system ensures the safety and security of its patients and visitors without the intimation of 'big brother' surveillance. 

Result

A comprehensive network of Axis network cameras was installed. Five AXIS 221 network cameras cover the entrances to the premises. The cameras provide high quality images under all lighting conditions, capturing images at gate control points, using Power over Ethernet (PoE). Not only do they record activity at the gates, but they also capture crystal clear images of all registration plates. 

Forty-six AXIS 207 network cameras throughout the building cover entrances to wards and elevator areas. The cameras give excellent low light performance and are equipped with built-in microphones for synchronised audio to enable remote users to not only view, but also listen in on an area to increase effectiveness. AXIS 207 offers the best image quality in its class, linked to outstanding bandwidth efficiency. 

Two AXIS 233D network dome cameras cover the parking area. Designed for challenging surveillance applications, they can follow moving objects at long distances. Through their 35x optical and 12x digital zoom lenses and electronic image stabilisers (EIS) controllers can clearly see license plates from a distance of 160m. AXIS 233D can follow a person walking at a distance of 400m and pan or tilt to any preset location in less than 1.5 seconds.