This week’s Safety & Security Corner focuses on infant security at BWH. As always, staff should report safety concerns by telling a manager, calling Security at 617-732-6565 or emailing non-urgent questions to BWHSafety@partners.org.
More than 6,000 babies are born every year at BWH, and it is the responsibility of all employees to keep them safe. Infant security at BWH includes training for all Connors Center for Women and Newborns (CWN) staff, monthly Code Pink drills to test CWN staff awareness and response, parental instructions on infant security issues and additional post-partum education for parents and significant others.
It is important to remember that all employees—not just CWN staff—are an essential part of the infant security program. When a Code Pink is called, employees should know what to do, what to look for and how to report suspicious activity. “A well-trained workforce and well-informed parents are our best defense against infant abduction,” said Bob Donaghue, operations manager for Security and Parking.
During a Code Pink, be vigilant:
- Look for suspicious persons walking through or exiting the hospital. Pay close attention to BWH’s exits, even those far from CWN.
- At BWH, all infants must be carried in a bassinet or carseat, so always be aware of anyone carrying a baby in their arms.
- Should you observe a suspect individual, don’t get into a physical confrontation but attempt to engage the person in conversation, while having a colleague call Security. If possible and safe, follow the suspect, watching his or her direction of exit.
- If the suspect has already left the building, get a good physical description, an exit direction and other pertinent information, such as the vehicle make or license plate, and contact Security at 617-732-6565 immediately.
It is everyone’s responsibility to keep our tiniest patients safe.