Issue link: https://securitytechnologyexecutive.epubxp.com/i/229956
Memorial Hermann Project Solution Providers: Access Control Software House CCURE 9000 GE Diamond II – TMC Hospital Tech Systems out of Duluth, Ga. has spent more than a year on the conversion of the Memorial Hermann facilities. Video Recorders American Dynamics Pelco Salient Bosch Video Cameras American Dynamics Pelco Axis Bosch Sony Intercoms Aiphone Viking Talk-A-Phone Code Blue TOA many partitions, schedules and the vast number of badges that needed to be re-printed. I contacted some other vendors to get pricing for the cards and then came to the realization that Tech Systems could incorporate this into the ongoing service agreement. Tech Systems works closely and directly with the Memorial Hermann HR, IT and engineering departments to ensure the database is continuously updated for accuracy, provisioning and de-provisioning of credentials. An integration between Memorial Hermann's iTRUST HR database and C•Cure 9000 has helped automate the database updates and has created new efficiencies and improved the integrity of our data. Hugs Management: There are many different perspectives and stakeholders in every department at every location of Memorial Hermann, and like any change, reorganizing the way the Hugs system was managed created some new resistance. The nurses that were in charge of managing the Hugs system were deeply passionate about the way things were operating. So coming in and offering to manage it wasn't quite like offering to carry in a bag of groceries. They had spent their own time learning how to use it and were proud of their abilities to do so. They also have emotional relationships with the very infants we are monitoring and felt uncomfortable delegating any of that process. To provide the security department with oversight capabilities while allowing the nursing staff to continue caring for the patients, we cross-trained our staff and leveraged the nurses' expertise. This www.SecurityInfoWatch.com allowed us to more intelligently integrate our security procedures into their baby-birthing procedures. Conclusion While much of the hardware and infrastructure remains from the days before I joined Memorial Hermann, and before Tech Systems took over as Memorial Hermann's security integrator, the conversion project has been in process for over a year and will continue for several more months. The collaboration and true partnership between every leg of this 3-legged stool has made for a very smooth transition. This team has demonstrated true professionalism - and the patients, staff and visitors of the Memorial Hermann organization will reap the rewards of our hard work for years to come. We held Tech Systems to high standards with performance reports and benchmarking against national benchmarks and internal benchmarks. Here's a bit of advice for my peers out there based on what I learned throughout this project -- get educated and maintain your education. Take advantage of the training available to you by your vendors, your partners and your associations. The more you know about the technology and the success of others the more you can apply that knowledge to your job. Learn to lead and to communicate effectively with not only your department, but with all departments. Learn to calculate return-on-investment so you can get the funding you need to be effective. Be open-minded to new ideas and solutions, and depend on healthy relationships with your providers. When you are able to do that, your department and the organization you work for will be much better off. ❚ Joseph Bellino is the System Security E x e c u t i ve a t M e m o r i a l He r m a n n Healthcare System in Houston, Texas. SECURITY TECHNOLOGY EXECUTIVE • November/December 2013 27