The Healthcare Industry is scrutinising the security of its facilities more than ever before, to protect patients, staff and property from attack or unwarranted attention. Fortunately, TDSi offers a wide range of secure access control options which give hospitals and health centres greater control over those that enter their facilities and what they are able to do once on site, whilst offering superb value-for-money for all budgets.

In a busy environment such as a hospital, that can have a diverse mixture of visitors and patients, the ability to easily authorise and define who can access which areas is a critical step in maintaining overall security. There are numerous reasons for implementing effective access control and common concerns which include:

•    Prevention of intrusion on the premises by unauthorised people
•    Maintaining the security and safety of staff and patients
•    Combatting the increase in assaults on staff by patients and visitors
•    Reduction of the theft of equipment and medicines
•    Protecting assets (such as linen, furniture, medicines, vending machines etc.)

Due to budgetary pressures, many hospitals and healthcare establishments have limited resources for manned security. TDSi’s access control solutions take into consideration this limited human resource and whilst freeing up staff they also provide the flexibility and reliability - which allows hospitals to trust their effectiveness.

Seamless Integration
TDSi’s EXgarde access management PC software can be used to seamlessly integrate the many aspects of the security and building management system within a healthcare facility (including CCTV, fire, intruder etc.) By using a single database, EXgarde’s application modules can be set up, administered and managed from either single or multiple workstations. Access to any defined area can be strictly controlled, with authorisation for staff, patients and visitors closely monitored and amended if appropriate.

MIFARE Smartcards
To make access control simple but effective, TDSi uses the popular MIFARE smartcard technology. This technology is well established and has been proven worldwide, benefitting from a significant reduction in the price of cards and a higher level of security over a proximity card reader. There is also a great degree of flexibility, which is ideal for a healthcare environment. As a multi-use card there is no need to carry more than one token and it can offer a variety of uses including access control, cashless vending, and biometric user templates. TDSi MIFARE readers are available in reader and reader plus keypad formats, where dual verification may be required.

The benefits of using TDSi’s MIFARE technology are clear:

•    The system will work in harmony with others
•    There will be one cost-effective card that has many uses
•    A full range of card readers, combined readers and keypads is available – all of which are suitable for mounting both indoors and outside
•    Readers can be configured to use custom keys for ultimate security (using the TDSi MIFARE Programmer)

Saving Energy
Hospitals tend to be open 24 hours a day and often face the issue of how to save energy and lower the cost of electricity, water and gas. TDSi have developed its Intuitive Access Control solution which has been designed to help healthcare establishments more closely monitor their facilities’ usage and therefore save on unnecessary use of energy. TDSi’s intelligent energy saving switch makes significant cost savings by ensuring energy is only used when users are present in the facility.

Drawing on proven technology, the TDSi Energy Saving Switch, incorporates either a Proximity or a MIFARE® reader. Only when a specific card has been recognised, does the unit allow the electrical circuit to be completed, thereby allowing lights and other equipment to operate when the user’s card is inserted. The product also features a 30 second time delay, so that once the card is removed, lights remain on for a comfortable period  allowing occupants to vacate the room.

With the facilities being used at different times of the day or week hospitals and healthcare centres can benefit from reduced costs, reduced energy consumption and an improved carbon footprint when access control systems play a key role in controlling the usage of energy resources.

For more information
www.tdsi.co.uk