Healthcare security

ASSA ABLOY, the global provider of door opening solutions, has unveiled the latest integrated security and asset management technologies it will be showcasing for the emergency services and defence sector at IFSEC 2018. Held at ExCeL London on the 19 – 21 June, visitors to stand F320 in Hall S7 at IFSEC 2018 will discover the latest innovations to help ‘access smarter thinking’ for those operating in the emergency services and defence sector, as well as many other key markets. The organisation’s leading Traka brand will be presenting its extensive range of key cabinets and locker systems that link to Traka Web. An innovative software for centrally managing Traka’s key and locker systems, Traka Web allows organisations to easily control and audit those that have accessed valuable keys and assets. Traka Web is a truly scalable enterprise solution, helping companies to streamline security operations while saving time and money V-Touch key management system The software can be conveniently managed from smartphones, tablets and PCs. Supporting an unlimited number of keys or assets, Traka Web is a truly scalable enterprise solution, helping companies to streamline security operations while saving time and money, as well as increasing operational efficiency. In addition to Traka’s well-known key management systems and tablet, laptop and gun lockers, the brand will also be exhibiting its new V-Touch key system. Delivering assured control for critical keys at multiple locations, the V-Touch key management system has been designed in a compact unit, for where space is at a premium, without compromising on functionality. It can operate either in standalone mode or with network capabilities via Traka Web, providing an enterprise management solution. Traka solutions help minimise operational costs, reduce allocation time, increase productivity and ensure the efficient use of company assets" Minimise operational costs Traka’s intelligent lockers and key cabinets can also be fully integrated with many access control systems. This includes systems such as ASSA ABLOY ARX, CLIQ and Genetec. Martin Woodhouse, International Sales Director at Traka, said: “IFSEC 2018 offers an international platform to demonstrate how our solutions provide tangible returns on investment across multiple markets, including the emergency services and defence sector. “Traka solutions help minimise operational costs, reduce allocation time, increase productivity and ensure the efficient use of company assets, while offering a full audit trail.” As well as the emergency and defence sector, Traka’s solutions can also be used in different market sectors like education, finance, healthcare, retail, utilities, manufacturing and hospitality sectors.

The physical environment of a healthcare facility is the foundation of all that occurs in it. Implementing effective safety and security solutions creates an environment that enhances the building for those working and staying in such facilities. With the ever-changing landscape that is the healthcare provision, it’s important to opt for solutions that provide the cornerstones for success and progression, rather than act as sources of limitation. Healthcare facilities present a considerably complex security challenge. Optimising a facility’s physical environment – that is, everything from door hardware to locks and access control – has a direct link to improved patient health and safety, staff safety, security and performance, in turn, increasing operational efficiencies and financial outcomes. The scope of solutions available to the UK market means that healthcare facilities can opt for solutions that fit their specific needs and requirements Factors affecting the selection of security solutions   There are multiple influencing factors to choosing the right solutions, such as reducing noise, maximising free passage for optimum people movement, minimising cross-contamination, administering adequate preparation for emergency situations and allowing safe and efficient egress when necessary. Years ago, older healthcare buildings with outdated or damaged hardware were limited by choice, and the upgrades that were available weren’t always an appropriately fitted replacement. Notwithstanding this, any budgeting pressures these facilities faced led to a reluctance to upgrade old traditional systems. Today, however, the scope of solutions available to the UK market means that healthcare facilities, such as hospital buildings, can opt for solutions that fit their specific needs and requirements, aligning with their values and targets along the way. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 enforced the responsibility that facility managers and business owners have in remaining fire safety compliant Fire safety compliance A recent report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has revealed that almost a third of private hospitals in England are failing on patient safety. Professor Ted Baker, chief inspector of hospitals at the CQC, said that a part of this was because of a lack of formal governance protocols. This includes “a lack of safety checks and poor monitoring of risks,” where safety has neglected to be viewed as a corporate responsibility. In reality, the safety of patients – and staff, for that matter – expands further than just day-to-day internal procedures. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 enforced the responsibility that facility managers and business owners have in remaining fire safety compliant. Fire doors, in particular, need to be given meticulous attention to ensure compliance. The slightest damage could render a fire door inadequate, putting lives at risk in the event of a fire. Regular checks, such as fire door operation and up-to-date risk assessments, are crucial to maximising patient and staff satisfaction, maintaining legislation compliance and, ultimately, keeping everyone on the premises safe. When hospital staff need to carry medical supplies, push gurneys or carts, or move quickly, doors and door hardware must allow smooth access into and from a room Efficient door access and egress In situations that require high levels of egress, such as during busier periods and in emergency situations like an evacuation, it is essential hospitals are equipped with doors and door hardware which accommodate these needs. Methodical solutions such as cross-corridor openings support this range of requirements, aiding egress whilst also resisting damage, operating quietly and aiding wheelchair access. When hospital staff need to carry medical supplies, push gurneys or carts, or move quickly, doors and door hardware must allow smooth access into and from a room whilst also providing privacy and safety for a patient. On top of this, doors should be fitted with easy-open features. For example, support staff should have their hands free to aid the young, the elderly and those with disabilities who need assistance. Electromagnetic and cam-action door closers are ideal for high-use internal areas that require doors to be held open, swing-free or have lighter operational forces, making them the perfect solution for hospitals and care homes. With the help of networked access control with real-time management and monitoring, all sensitive areas can be made secure for both patients and staff Access control for sensitive areas As healthcare staff levels are showing a slight decrease in recent reports, it’s important for door hardware to assist the challenges staff may face rather than limit day-to-day running. Certain areas within healthcare facilities are high security such as pharmacies, patient records and medical supplies, which require a higher level of security and restricted access. These sensitive areas in the facility require records of when and by whom the area was accessed. They also need to stop unauthorised access to these areas. With the help of networked access control with real-time management and monitoring, all sensitive areas can be made secure for both patients and staff. Door hardware with anti-bacterial protection Bacteria-resistance is a beneficial operational feature in preventing the spread of germs that contribute to hospital-acquired infections. Around 80 percent of infections are transmitted through our environment, from the air we breathe to the surfaces we touch. Being one of the most common harbourers of bacterium, door handles, grabrails and other contact surfaces can exacerbate cross-contamination, presenting a focal-point that facilitates the transmission of germs throughout a building. For that extra layer of cleanliness, door hardware with in-built anti-bacterial protection – such as exit devices and lever furniture – helps to battle against the spreading of germs. Not only is a clean and safe environment a basic standard set by the CQC, it can also improve patient and staff satisfaction, leading to a well-organised and efficient-running healthcare facility overall.

Quantum Corp. announced Michael Dodson as its Chief Financial Officer and interim CEO effective 31 May 2018. Dodson replaces current CFO Fuad Ahmad and will serve as interim CEO replacing Patrick Dennis, who has resigned his position to focus on pressing family matters. The Board is conducting an active search to select a permanent CEO.  In his new role, Dodson will lead Quantum’s ongoing business transformation and cost savings initiatives and will drive the company to complete its highest priority of achieving sustained profitability while continuing to deliver top storage solutions and services to its customers. Background and track record as CFO “I wish to thank Patrick and Fuad for their service and welcome Michael to Quantum,” said Raghu Rau, Chairman of Quantum. “Michael brings a solid foundation in accounting, financial reporting and internal control procedures, and has had a very successful track record as the CFO of several public technology companies. We believe he possesses the right skill sets to significantly improve Quantum’s financial performance for the benefit of all shareholders.” A seasoned finance professional, Dodson brings a broad range of expertise to Quantum, including strong accounting credentials, a proven record of improving profitability and cash generation and deep experience with capital markets. Dodson began his career with Ernst & Young in San Jose, California office, where he served a number of global public technology companies, including several companies in the data storage space. He has also served as CFO for five public global technology companies including Mattson Technology, DDi and ESI.

CNL Software, a pioneer in Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) software, announces that it will be showcasing the latest enhancements to its IPSecurityCenter PSIM solution as an ecosystem partner on the Milestone stand C340 at IFSEC International 2018. CNL Software will demonstrate how its PSIM technology helps law enforcement, government agencies and the military, owners and operators of public and private critical infrastructure, large corporations and school districts, colleges and universities, and transportation facilities and networks integrate, automate, and connect security operations and realise the full potential of security system investments. With over 15 years of development, IPSecurityCenter leads the PSIM market with its features, performance and sophistication and boasts a continuous development program that recently added LiDAR, drone detection and advanced biometric authentication to the platform. Maximise their existing investment in systems CNL Software will showcase its enhanced PSIM features on stand C340 as part of Milestone’s ecosystem partner program. Following successful technical collaboration, CNL Software will demonstrate live integration with Quanergy’s advanced LiDAR systems. IPSecurityCenter solution enables organisations to react faster and more precisely to a wide range of security threats" “We are delighted to partner with Quanergy and Milestone at IFSEC International 2018," says Adlan Hussain, VP Marketing - CNL Software. "The integrated Quanergy, XProtect and IPSecurityCenter solution enables organisations to react faster and more precisely to a wide range of security threats. It also allows end users to maximise their existing investment in systems and seamlessly deploy new technologies, creating substantial cost savings through efficient use of all security resources.” “Additionally, it allows intelligence from these systems, whether audio, video or data to be correlated, analyzed and acted upon to increase security, reduce costs and improve operational performance.” Increase emergency preparedness Providing a single view of all of an organisation's mission-critical security systems, IPSecurityCenter helps increase emergency preparedness, deliver intelligence to the point of need and provides process guidance to enhance security responses. Beyond the timesaving and efficiency benefits of automation, IPSecurityCenter enables processes that are essential to any modern security department; including scheduled reporting, dashboard overviews, incident logs, continuous process improvement initiatives, training drills, system healthcare checks and much more.

As one of the year’s key trade fairs for safety and security products, GPST together with Guangzhou Electrical Building Technology is preparing to welcome over 220 leading manufacturers and solution providers to the China Import and Export Fair Complex from 9 – 12 June 2018. Regional and international security industry players will converge in Guangzhou to do business, learn about new market trends and take inspiration from leading industry brands across 15,000 sqm of exhibition space. The most relevant technology for today’s security industry will be front and centre at GPST, as solution providers continue to move away from traditional mechanical security systems and towards the advanced digital solutions favoured by the market. AI-enabled smart city solutions With a total of 290 Chinese cities initiating smart city pilot projects among over 500 cities that made smart city proposals in 2017, China is currently leading the world in smart city projects. Because of this, AI enabled smart city technology, including IoT, big data, and video surveillance is in significantly high demand and will be among one of the key areas to be highlighted during the fair. In order to fulfil this demand, an array of leading brands that provide relevant solutions for smart city will be present at GPST. The likes of AJB Digital, Dahua Technology, Huawei, Hikvision, Intellifusion, NetPosa, PCI-Suntek, SenseTime, and SensingTech are just some of the well-known industry leading brands to have confirmed their participation. SenseTime will present some of their latest developments in AI powered facial recognition technology to visitors of the fair Facial recognition and traffic monitoring system on display One of the first time exhibitors at GPST, SenseTime, is among the countries leading developers of AI technology. The company will present some of their latest developments in AI powered facial recognition technology to visitors of the fair, giving participants insight into how AI enabled video surveillance systems can automatically process large volumes of data to monitor and improve public safety in crowded areas. Moving beyond facial recognition, the latest security industry innovations also have implications for traffic control and public resource monitoring. PCI-Suntek, for example, will be just one of the exhibitors to showcase an advanced traffic monitoring system at the fair. Using cloud computing, big data and AI, the system can respond intelligently to complex traffic management problems and improve transportation networks by making them safer and more efficient. Many of the technologies to be exhibited at GPST have applications that extend beyond smart city and stretch into intelligent retail, smart factory, and intelligent healthcare Advanced public safety solutions The changing dynamics in the security industry landscape will also be evident at GPST, as the fair hosts a number of newcomers across different sectors. Global telecoms and electronics giant Huawei, for example, has highlighted the growth potential in the smart city and public safety sectors by entering into the market. Huawei’s arrival has involved advanced end-to-end public safety solutions that include license plate and facial recognition technology, IoT technology, and data analytics. Many of the technologies to be exhibited at GPST have applications that extend beyond smart city and stretch into intelligent retail, smart factory, and intelligent healthcare. Access control systems that have applications across different sectors are just one such example. Providers of these systems at the show will include IntelliFusion, Misobone, Sayee Intelligent Technology, Sensingtech, Soplar, Taichuan Cloud Technology and Wicrown. For many of these companies, access control systems represent one element of a broad portfolio of security products that will be of interest to fairgoers. Some of the development topics to be discussed will include: ‘the rise of AI as a force for revolutionising the security industry’, ‘smart city solutions across multiple industries’Asia intelligent Security Forum The show will also be supplemented by the Asia intelligent Security Forum (AiST), which is scheduled to take place from 9 – 11 June 2018. Jointly organised by the Guangdong Public Security Protection Technology Association, Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt Co Ltd, Messe Frankfurt New Era and a&s Media, the forum will allow security industry players to exchange information and learn about the latest trends and developments in Asia’s security industry. Some of the most pressing development topics to be discussed will include: ‘the rise of AI as a force for revolutionising the security industry’, ‘a comprehensive analysis on Guangdong’s urban multi-dimensional security protection construction’, and ‘smart city solutions across multiple industries’.

Avigilon Corporation, a Motorola Solutions company, announced it has been awarded ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Quality Management System (QMS). ISO 9001:2015 is a globally recognised quality standard that defines QMS requirements and performance. The standard assists companies to align quality with their wider business strategy, helping to improve communications, efficiency, and implementation of continuous improvement. As part of the ISO 9001:2015 certification process, Avigilon engaged in a rigorous audit of its business processes and manufacturing facilities and has successfully demonstrated its ability to consistently provide high quality service and products to its customers. Manufacturing at state-of-the-art facilities provides strong quality control and access to an experienced local workforce Delivering superior quality products “Achieving this level of certification again demonstrates our commitment to delivering the highest levels of quality and efficiency,” said Manny Gill, Avigilon’s Vice President, Global Manufacturing & Supply Chain. “Thanks to the hard work of our manufacturing team at our state-of-the-art facilities in North America, we continue to ensure quality control and create efficiencies in our production to best meet the needs of our customers.” Avigilon is proud to be a North American manufacturer of trusted security solutions, with manufacturing facilities in Richmond, B.C, and Plano, Texas. Manufacturing at state-of-the-art facilities in North America provides strong quality control, access to an experienced local workforce and helps ensure Avigilon can accelerate the speed at which it goes from innovation to a final product and delivery.

Princeton Identity Inc., provider of the fastest, simplest and most secure biometric security systems on the market, announced that its customer, Brevillier Village, is reporting a huge increase in brand awareness resulting from publicity of its status as the nation’s first senior residential and healthcare facility to deploy iris recognition technology as part of a comprehensive physical security system. Located just outside Erie, PA, Brevillier Village has been the subject of local and international press coverage during the past year due to public fascination with its cutting-edge approach to security. The Princeton Identity IOM Access solution allows staff and residents with normal mental acuity to unlock exterior doors to exit the building by gazing into wall-mounted iris readers positioned near each exit, while restricting residents with dementia from opening the doors and leaving the building unsupervised. Two reader ‘heads’ are located at each monitored doorway – one positioned for standing residents and the other for those in wheelchairs Easy registration of iris credentials The system makes it possible for both non-dementia and dementia residents to live comfortably in the same building as part of a mixed population. Non-technical personnel at Brevillier Village can easily register new residents to the system and, if a resident begins to experience cognitive decline, his or her iris credentials can be deactivated, allowing them to remain living in the familiar surroundings of their own apartment rather than move to a fully locked facility. The Princeton Identity solution piggybacks onto the Assa-Abloy Securitron access control infrastructure that was already in place at Brevillier Village, with each iris scan logging as an ‘event’ within the access control system. Two reader ‘heads’ are located at each monitored doorway – one positioned for standing residents and the other for those in wheelchairs. These are connected to integrated control units that communicate over Ethernet cabling back to the server room. Brand awareness for Brevillier Village has skyrocketed and, in 2017, it was honoured for the first time with the region’s prestigious Erie’s Choice Award for Best Retirement Facility Better access control system than keypad Dan Desrocher, the facility’s Director of Development, says that “If there’s any question about who left the building at a given time, we can look at who had their iris scanned and then check surveillance video to make sure that they are the only person who went through the door. From a security standpoint, this is far more information than was available using the keypad system we had in place, for which everyone shared the same code.” Brevillier administration places a high value on security, regarding it not only as an operational imperative but as a point-of-differentiation in the highly competitive senior living and healthcare market. The investment in technology is paying off. Brand awareness for Brevillier Village has skyrocketed and, in 2017, it was honoured for the first time with the region’s prestigious Erie’s Choice Award for Best Retirement Facility, beating out a much larger facility that had won for the past ten years in a row. No need to remember keypad codes Mark Clifton, Princeton Identity’s CEO, says, “This project highlight some of the advantages in deploying iris recognition in healthcare and assisted-living facilities. There are no keypad codes to remember, it doesn’t require a free hand and it’s touchless, making it completely sanitary.” Brevillier’s Dan Desrocher adds, “We’re using the technology to keep people in, rather than keep people out, but we could definitely use the other way too. With an iris reader, residents would no longer have to fumble for a key fob to get into a building. The convenience factor is huge.”

ANSecurity, a specialist in advanced network and data security, has announced a successful project with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to move to the SHA-2 cryptographic standard to help strengthen its security posture. With over 12,000 computing devices and 500 servers under its management, Nottinghamshire Healthcare has maintained an ongoing strategy to continually improve its security controls. Most of its systems are used internally and unconnected to the internet. However, increased use of BYOD and more interconnection has prompted the IT department to instigate a migration of its PKI infrastructure to the newer SHA-2 (Secure Hash Algorithm 2), a set of cryptographic hash functions that is widely used in security applications and protocols, including TLS and SSL, PGP, SSH, S/MIME, and IPsec. ANSecurity helped the Trust to overcome the complexity of its legacy PKI, along with dependencies on existing services including mobile device onboarding and remote access control Overcoming the complexity of legacy PKI “SHA-1 has been depreciated in terms of its security capability, however not all our applications or servers natively supported SHA-2 which meant we needed to consider the upgrade with the context of a wider application server upgrade,” explains Andy Spencer, System Team Leader for Nottinghamshire Healthcare, “It is a significant project that we felt could benefit from dedicated security expertise for which we turned to ANSecurity.” ANSecurity helped the Trust to overcome the complexity of its legacy PKI, along with dependencies on existing services including mobile device onboarding and remote access control. As Jason Parry, Network Security Architect for ANSecurity explains, “We discussed at length with Andy and his team the merits of several deployment scenarios to determine the best course of action. Next, we agreed a process with various business groups who consume PKI and once ratified completed our standard scope of works documentation with pre-requisites to streamline the deployment.” The entire migration project including legacy operating systems migration and remediation of weaknesses within the SHA-1 signatures took just 3 days Improved security posture The actual project was driven by the Nottinghamshire Healthcare’s IT department under guidance from ANSecurity to ensure high levels of knowledge transfer. The entire migration project including legacy operating systems migration and remediation of weaknesses within the SHA-1 signatures took just 3 days, leading to improved security posture without any disruption to its 24/7 operations. “Any organisations with a legacy windows PKI environment need to perform something similar,” Parry explains, “This may not require a wholesale replacement and in many cases, it might be applicable to perform a simpler migration to new servers along with an upgrade that renews existing PKI infrastructure.” ANSecurity have performed dozens of these projects over the last 24 months and has a significant number planned for the next year. “The NHS with its large number of legacy systems is a sector that is rapidly moving to SHA-2,” says Parry. “Busy IT staff that may have overlooked these types of projects due to the complexity of legacy applications servers should not be overly concerned as the process for migration is relatively straightforward and uses a well understood process.”

Airbus has expanded the range of its application portfolio for the Tactilon Dabat and partnered with new professional application developers. The aim is to better serve the communications markets in the field of public safety, transportation and healthcare. At the CCW exhibition in Berlin from 15 to 17 May 2018, Airbus is showcasing selected applications for professionals that combine multimedia real-time functions with highest standards of security.  “The apps that we showcase at the CCW work in various areas, whether it is industry, public safety or the health sector. They meet specific customer needs and requirements for different regions in the world,” explains Rahim Zaknoun, Head of Innovation & Developer Ecosystem at Secure Land Communications of Airbus. "We selected these apps for our customers and created them for the hybrid Tactilon Dabat.” For instance, the digitalised Triage application from Exomi helps first responders (paramedics) to send complex health data of patients from the ambulance on the scene to the hospital. The delivery of the constantly updated information is standardised and reliable. It can easily be shared not only via the Tactilon Dabat, the Android smartphone and Tetra radio in one device, but also on other platforms in control rooms or in the field. Thus, the application streamlines processes and accelerates a more accurate treatment for the patients. Commanders and group members (Tetra and smartphone users) can easily follow each other on the Dabat’s display based on a map configuration with GPS Live video sharing platform The application ES-Core features a live video sharing function that is secure and supports external video sources, such as from drones or vehicles. Even with little radio coverage the transmission is of high quality. Moreover, footing can be stored as evidence or for the purpose of analysis. “Clearly, this is a tool for police officers. However, paramedics work increasingly with this app on the scene and companies can also master situations by transmitting a live video stream,” says Rahim Zaknoun. Another application can fill frequently the gap of non-existing radio coverage in many public buildings: the ‘indoor positioning’ system for large sites creates a real-time situational awareness when communication groups move around in- and outdoors. Based on a map configuration with a GPS function, commanders and group members (Tetra and smartphone users) can easily follow each other on the Dabat’s display. The application serves especially security personnel in airports, train stations, or event sites: no configuration is needed, a seamless in- and outdoor positioning is put in place and the app works without broadband connection.  Track Worker Protection In order to save lives of railway track workers and minimise the risk of collisions, the company Intelligence on Wheels invented the app ‘Track Worker Protection’. This application with a clear map display receives permanent train location updates. Our SmarTWISP application developer programme is the key reference point when it comes to creating secure apps" The signals will be sent from the train operator’s control room and the train itself, which is equipped with a Train Collision Avoidance System. Critical scenarios can now be easily managed with the Tactilon Dabat and the ‘track worker protection’. “Our SmarTWISP application developer programme is the key reference point when it comes to creating secure apps,” says Rahim Zaknoun. “It enables the innovation and professional application development on the top of Airbus’ existing communication technology. It boosts our strong developer ecosystem."

Multitone Electronics plc, a specialist in the design, manufacture and implementation of integrated communications, will be exhibiting its Eko range of patient and staff protection systems on Stand 404 at the Design in Mental Health conference and exhibition. The event takes place at the National Conference Centre near Birmingham, from 15th-16th May.  Multitone will exhibiting its Eko family of safeguarding systems, which includes the award winning EkoTek and EkoCare communications solutions for staff/patient protection and lone workers. The Eko range is an onsite two-way wireless protection system that raises an alarm or summons help at a touch of a button.  Matt Byrom, Product Manager at Multitone commented, “The Eko family of products is designed to provide reliable but discreet protection, that is perfect for mental healthcare facilities." "The system has been proven in hospitals around the world, including The Retreat in York, a treatment centre for mental health needs, where it enables staff and patients to easily summon assistance to their exact location using either a portable device or wall-mounted button.” The Design in Mental Health show is the perfect opportunity for anyone in the NHS or private healthcare industry to understand the advantages of Multitone’s solutions" Failsafe wireless technology With separate alarm levels for assist and emergency, alerts are routed via a smart radio-based network of beacons and repeaters. The alert can be forwarded to any device or set of devices including pagers, two-way radios, DECT phones, email or a mobile smart device, via a dedicated and highly secure app. Using wireless, failsafe technology, EkoTek and EkoCare both offer cost-effective installation (with no need for mains rewiring), long battery life and impressive reliability. In the unlikely event of a network repeater failing, the message is rerouted to ensure the alert is always delivered. The devices are also IP67 rated (resisting dirt and cleaning with sprays or disinfectant) and the system can also be integrated with fire alarm systems. Matt concluded, “This event focuses on the design of mental health facilities and creating calm therapeutic environments for the benefit of patients and staff alike, which is precisely the approach of the Eko family of products. The Design in Mental Health show is the perfect opportunity for anyone in the NHS or private healthcare industry to understand the advantages of Multitone’s solutions and to discuss specific requirements with the team on our stand.”

FST Biometrics, a global biometric identification solutions provider, has announced that it has installed it’s In Motion Identification (IMID) solution to provide secure access and an enhanced customer experience for students and members of the Wellington Health & Fitness Club. Wellington College is one of the UK’s esteemed boarding schools, established in 1859, built as a monument to the first Duke of Wellington. The classically-built institution decided to make the high-tech upgrade to its security infrastructure by selecting FST’s IMID solution for its accuracy, speed and ease-of-use for members.  IMID biometric access system “We required a system that provided touch-free in-motion identification for smooth member access to our fitness centre, while preventing access to those unauthorised,” explained Brian Cannon, Operations Bursar for Wellington College. “We value our tradition, but also are prepared to go cutting-edge for the sake of members’ time, health and safety, all of which are preserved through FST’s advanced biometric identification system.” FST’s IMID Access will manage secure access for the fitness centre’s 3,000 members, with access points deployed at the facility’s main entrance. IMID is also integrated with Wellington’s Gladstone MRM Plus2 system and TRP member experience management software to ensure every member receives appropriate service and attention from staff. We are proud that such a prominent institution has selected IMID to enhance the center’s security and operational efficiency" Gladstone MRM Plus2 management system “We are proud that such a prominent institution has selected IMID to enhance the center’s security and operational efficiency, and to help staff provide more personalised service to members,” said Arie Melamed, Head of the Access Control Identification Solutions Division of FST Biometrics. “Our biometric solution is ideal for use in this setting. The centre is reserved for student use at specific hours, while paying members access the leisure facilities at other times. IMID is fully customisable to ensure the right people are granted access at appropriate times.”  “Given our strong experience working with Wellington College for several years, we knew they expected an access control solution that would be both secure and elegant,” said, Andrew Wylie, FTL Secure Solutions, FST’s strategic partner in the UK, and provider of design, installation, commissioning, testing and training for access control systems. “FST’s IMID Access provides the convenience and simplicity of in-motion, visual identification while also offering the highest level of biometric-based reliability.” FST’s IMID Access is deployed in health and wellness centres around the globe, and is also used in large corporations, healthcare facilities, institutions of higher education, in retail applications and others.

Cleanliness in healthcare facilities is not only fundamental to the health and safety of patients, it’s also a basic standard set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). In fact, maintaining cleanliness in hospitals, GP surgeries, dental surgeries and other care facilities is the linchpin in the system – without it, the highest level of care cannot be provided.  The NHS alone deals with over 1 million patients every 36 hours. With constant foot traffic within their facilities, healthcare officials should give appropriate thought to how they can minimise the risk of infection spreading. The weight of importance behind door hardware should hold a firm position at the centre of every medical facility and nursing institution from the point of specification. From considerations into ease of use, to security and safety, nothing should be taken lightly or overlooked. This includes additional features designed to help the fight to minimise the threat of cross-contamination. Contact surfaces in medical and nursing facilities is one of the prime causes of the spread of infection. In fact, around 80 percent of infections are transmitted through our environment, whether that’s in the air we breathe or the surfaces we touch. Combatting cross-contamination is a constant battle within healthcare facilities. Nutrients made available in the environment provide bacteria the materials needed to form new protoplasm, helping them to multiply  Sanitised door hardware for disease prevention Unsurprisingly, door hardware - whether handles or the door itself - is one of the most common harbourers of harmful bacteria. Touched hundreds of times a day by staff, visitors and patients alike – and encouraged by warm surroundings – bacteria can thrive on door handles, grabrails and other contact surfaces. Whilst washing hands or using hand sanitiser helps this problem to some extent, it’s not enough to keep the spread of harmful bacteria under complete control. Mirco-organisms are known to survive on surfaces like handles for extended periods of time. This can be especially worrying in hospital environments where some patients have immune deficiencies. Anti-microbial door hardware ultimately tackles the problem at the source, helping to eliminate the issue at the point where it’s most likely to snow-ball. The introduction of door hardware with in-built anti-bacterial protection such as exit devices, door handles, and sanitary fittings is helping the healthcare sector in the battle against the spreading of germs and bugs. So how do these incredibly convenient solutions work? Nutrients made available in the environment provide bacteria the materials needed to form new protoplasm, helping them to multiply.  Infection risk mitigation Anti-microbial door hardware solutions use an anti-microbial coating to prevent the multiplication of bacteria. Made using ionic silver (AG+), the coating used on these solutions are specially formulated to inhibit the growth of bacteria by interrupting their cell multiplication. The ionic silver coatings interact with the bonding sites on the microbe surface. The result being that the silver ions surround bacterial cells, blocking food and slowing the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew. Alternatively, for nylon products, antibacterial protection is either incorporated into the scratch-resistant powder coating or impregnated into the polymer structure of the nylon during manufacture, meaning it cannot be wiped or washed off, and remains active for the lifetime of the product. Put simply, the anti-microbial materials engrained into the hardware are used as a way to reduce the spread of infectious bacteria, lowering the risk of infection via cross-contamination. A cleaner and healthier facility is likely to provide added benefits of improved patient outcomes, patient satisfaction and even staff satisfaction and productivity  Safe and accessible environments It’s clear that healthcare providers have special requirements when creating safe and secure environments for the people that visit or work in their facilities. Fitting door hardware with anti-microbial protection can optimise a safer and cleaner environment by inhibiting the growth of bacteria on high-touch surface areas, and when antibacterial technology is combined with conventional cleaning methods, it helps to improve standards of hygiene and offers added protection whenever it is used. Whilst hospitals put emphasis on maintaining a clean environment via hand-sanitisers and routinely cleaning, it can be difficult to keep track of the places susceptible to high levels of bacteria build-up. What’s more, when it’s something you can’t physically see, it can often be mistaken as not being there. Ultimately, a cleaner and healthier facility is likely to provide added benefits of improved patient outcomes, patient satisfaction and even staff satisfaction and productivity.