Security Heroes – Drew Neckar

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, security has transitioned from a mere necessity to a pivotal component of organizational strategy. In a recent episode of the “Security Heroes” podcast, Drew Neckar, Principal Consultant for Healthcare Security at Co Secure, shared his extensive insights on the transformation of healthcare security over the past two decades.

The Evolution of Healthcare Security

Drew Neckar, with over 20 years of experience in security management, highlighted a significant shift in how healthcare organizations perceive security. Traditionally viewed as a necessary evil, security functions are now being recognized as essential business enablers. This change is largely due to a growing understanding of the importance of safety in allowing healthcare professionals to focus on patient care without the looming threat of violence.

Neckar noted that healthcare security has evolved from a role that often reported to facilities management to one that is increasingly integrated into enterprise risk management strategies. This shift reflects a broader recognition of security as a critical component of organizational health, rather than just a reactive measure.

The Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated changes in healthcare security. Neckar observed that many organizations have seen a doubling in incidents of workplace violence against staff since the onset of the pandemic. This alarming trend has prompted healthcare facilities to adopt more robust visitor management and weapon detection systems.

Neckar emphasized the importance of controlling who is on hospital campuses, a concept that was often dismissed as impractical before the pandemic. Now, many hospitals are implementing systems to better manage and understand visitor access, which has proven effective in reducing incidents of theft and violence.

Best Practices for Healthcare Security

For healthcare organizations looking to enhance their security measures, Neckar offered several key recommendations:

1. Understand Your Security Needs: Organizations must first clarify why they have a security function and what they aim to achieve. This foundational understanding will guide effective security strategies.
2. Implement Effective Visitor Management: Establishing a robust visitor management system is crucial. Neckar pointed out that many healthcare facilities lack effective check-out procedures, which can lead to security vulnerabilities.
3. Leverage Technology: The integration of advanced technology, such as weapon detection systems, is becoming standard practice in many healthcare settings. Neckar noted that approximately 50% of hospitals are now considering or have implemented such technologies.
4. Train Staff to Recognize Suspicious Behavior: Continuous training for staff on identifying and reporting suspicious activities can significantly enhance security. Neckar shared a harrowing experience where proactive staff intervention prevented a potential active shooter situation.

Conclusion

As healthcare security continues to evolve, the insights shared by Drew Neckar underscore the importance of proactive measures and strategic planning. By recognizing security as a vital component of healthcare operations, organizations can create safer environments for both staff and patients. The lessons learned during the pandemic will undoubtedly shape the future of healthcare security, making it an essential focus for all healthcare providers.

For more insights and to listen to the full podcast episode, visit Athena Security and search for “Security Heroes” on your favorite podcast platform.