Remember when you got your first car? I do. It was my Dad’s car and growing up I helped him wash it, wax it, and change the wheels in the Spring and Fall. When I got my driver’s license, he told me that it was now going to be MY car. 
I remember the excitement and sense of pride I had in owning something that was all mine. I felt like I could do anything! I could go where I wanted, when I wanted, and with who I wanted. However, I soon realized that my new prize possession also came with a lot of responsibility.
Being a kid, I was not fully aware of all the things I needed to do to keep my car running and avoid losing my new-found mobile freedom. I knew it needed gas, but didn’t really think about oil changes, insurance, registration fees, tires and all the other things that were necessary to keep it running and on the road. This was not the fun part of ownership, but I also knew that this was my responsibility to maintain it. I’m glad I had my Dad to teach me about what I needed to do and why.
Even though a car is much different than a Patient Security System, the fact remains that they both need to be maintained. Some of the reasons one should maintain a Patient Security System are obvious, but other reasons may not be. Let’s fast forward one, five, or even ten years from now:
- Is your system still providing the same level of security it did when it was installed? One thing that is always constant is “change” and the environment of a hospital is no exception. Your hospital may have undergone construction projects, staff members come and go, and is your patient flow different from when your system was originally installed.
- Are you confident that your patients are fully protected and that software has been updated? The only way to know for sure is to have your system routinely tested, monitored, and maintained.
- Lastly, make sure staff is provided with the knowledge they need to keep patients safe by providing additional training when they need it. Especially when new staff arrives within the department provide proper training to these new staff members on the system.
The security of your infant patients, pediatric, and adult wandering patients is a primary focus for us here at IMS and we want to make sure you have all the tools you need to keep them safe. To do this, we developed an after-warranty support program that continuously monitors performance and takes a proactive maintenance approach to avoid unexpected system downtime. This will provide the safest environment possible for your patients while they are in your care. 
With the things my Dad taught me, I was able to keep my first car running for many years. Some things I already knew, but some I did not. I’m glad I had him to rely on. I hope that we can help you in the same way by maintaining your Patient Security System.
