NHS Set To Revolutionise Visitor Access Control

Since the inception of the NHS over 50 years ago, there has always existed an implied right of access to patients by visitors. Unfortunately, a number of high profile incidents have prompted NHS Estates to review this policy and seek measures to control visitor access. Drax was delighted to be asked to participate in a pilot project to ascertain whether patient controlled visitor access was practicable.

The John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford was chosen to operate the pilot project and after a thorough risk assessment, proposals to operate patient controlled visitor access in the Women’s Centre on a trial basis have been accepted.

Working in conjunction with the existing access control equipment supplier, Drax has installed ‘Safe & Secure’ terminals which issue access badges to authorised visitors. On arrival, visitors speak to the patient via a direct telephone link between the terminal and the patient’s bedside telephone. Badges issued are encoded to operate the access control system which operates the ward doors.

To enhance existing security measures, the access badges also contain a photo of the visitor. These images are stored on a secure database. Other applications for this technology are sought so contact us with your ideas...for example, contractor passes, staff ID badges, membership cards?

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