Introduction to Northwell Health’s Safety Initiative
Northwell Health is broadening its use of a suite of safety and security technologies designed to keep its employees and patients safe network-wide. The New York health system is working with Motorola Solutions to deploy AI-powered video security and analytics tools, bidirectional radio communications, mass notification, and panic button technologies to better detect, analyze, and manage threats.
Why This Matters
The expanded security implementation is designed to protect staff and patients while prioritizing care during health emergencies. It builds on Northwell Health’s existing and extensive safety and crisis management framework. The health system comprises nearly 30 hospitals and more than 1,000 outpatient facilities.
The Technology Behind the Initiative
Northwell is expanding its use of AI-enabled Avigilon security cameras, which have analytics that can identify unusual activity or potential threats and alert security personnel and clinical personnel via two-way radios and other push-to-talk devices. The health system is also broadening its use of a scalable digital communication designed to share voice and data across the many different devices that hospital staff uses to communicate – two-way radios, smartphones, and more.
Benefits of the Initiative
"Managing security across a growing health network can be complex," said Mark Swensen, senior manager of operations for security, safety, and emergency management at Northwell Health. "Investing in a security system where the technologies work together simplifies scaling new installations when hospitals and clinics join our network." This allows the health system to add more security cameras or expand radio use across multiple sites without the challenges that can arise when security systems don’t easily connect.
The Larger Trend
Northwell, already the largest health system in New York state, recently merged with Nuvance Health. The health system has been making big investments in tools and IT for the safety and wellbeing of its staff and patients. Northwell’s longtime President and CEO Michael Dowling wrote about how AI can help keep hospital staff safe, stating that "unsafe work environments create job dissatisfaction, burn out, and low levels of productivity."
Expert Insights
"Northwell Health is creating a more secure work environment where doctors, nurses, and clinical teams can focus on what they do best: taking care of patients," said Scott Schoepel, VP of video security & access control at Motorola. "They’re setting the standard for security and safety in healthcare. We’re proud to provide solutions that blend seamlessly into their routines, offering peace of mind in feeling safe and protected so they can focus on caring for people who need them most."
Conclusion
Northwell Health’s expanded use of safety and security technologies is a significant step towards creating a safer work environment for its employees and patients. The health system’s commitment to investing in the latest technologies and tools demonstrates its dedication to providing the best possible care and protection for those who need it most.
FAQs
- Q: What is Northwell Health doing to improve safety and security?
A: Northwell Health is broadening its use of a suite of safety and security technologies, including AI-powered video security and analytics tools, bidirectional radio communications, mass notification, and panic button technologies. - Q: Why is Northwell Health investing in these technologies?
A: The health system is investing in these technologies to better detect, analyze, and manage threats, and to create a safer work environment for its employees and patients. - Q: What are the benefits of Northwell Health’s safety initiative?
A: The benefits of the initiative include improved security, increased efficiency, and enhanced protection for staff and patients. - Q: How does Northwell Health’s safety initiative fit into the larger trend in healthcare?
A: Northwell Health’s safety initiative is part of a larger trend in healthcare towards investing in tools and technologies that prioritize the safety and wellbeing of staff and patients.
