Hospital Infant Security Systems

RNnL&D · Jul 13, 2005

We use the Halo system. It seems to work pretty well, and is nice because each alarm is attached to a specific name so when one alarms, the baby's name comes up as well as the location.

The problems we have are when they are changed nightly and someone forgets to disable the alarm, or when doing lab draws, PKU, etc, the device is jiggled loose and alarms. We have decreased many alarms though, just by disabling the alarm for 15 minutes or so while doing a procedure, assessment, etc.

BabyRN2Be · Jul 13, 2005

Our hospital uses the Halo system, too. It works pretty well. If it becomes detached, then the entire building is locked down. It's a great system if there's a true attempted abduction, but it's a little inconvenient when there's a false alarm.

I don't think that anyone could smuggle a baby out of the hospital using Halo. It would need to be pretty sophisticated.

rpbear · Jul 13, 2005

We use PROSEC, I works well also, sounds similar to the HALO system. We have rare false alarms now that we have been using it for over a year. We got this system when we got a new unit built so I am not sure how it would be installed on an existing unit.

RNKitty · Jul 14, 2005

I have worked in 7 hospital LD/MB units. Some had alarms, some didn't. The best system I have seen (and I'm sorry I can't remember the name) was an alarm that was attached to the umbilical cord clamp. It couldn't be removed very easily (as opposed to the ones wrapped around ankles). The alarms usually trigger the doors to shut and lock as the sensor gets near the alarm. I work in a unit now (Level III, 250 del/mo) and we have no alarm system. It is much more peaceful not having to do baby head counts when the nurses place a sensor in their pocket and go to dinner, triggering the alarms.

BabyRN2Be · Jul 14, 2005

There is one hospital that I used to work in. I did a delivery as adoula there last December. The way that it's set up, the main elevator and stairway is RIGHT next to the nursery, which doesn't have a code on the door. I was thinking that it would be so easy for someone to take a baby from that nursery. They could EASILY be out the door, in their car (due to the close proximity of the parking lot), and be down the streetbefore someone even realizes a baby is gone. Sometimes I've seen thatnursery unattended.

I'm not mentioning the name, but I wouldn't want to have a baby in that hospital, for more reasons than the security issue. Too highly interventive for my tastes.

BABYRN916 · Jul 14, 2005

I have worked in 7 hospital LD/MB units. Some had alarms, some didn't. The best system I have seen (and I'm sorry I can't remember the name) was an alarm that was attached to the umbilical cord clamp. It couldn't be removed very easily (as opposed to the ones wrapped around ankles). The alarms usually trigger the doors to shut and lock as the sensor gets near the alarm. I work in a unit now (Level III, 250 del/mo) and we have no alarm system. It is much more peaceful not having to do baby head counts when the nurses place a sensor in their pocket and go to dinner, triggering the alarms.

Thanks for your response. We currently have no alarm system, and have not had one for over 20 years. We have some security measures, like different name tags, cameras, watchful staff, and lots of drills. However, JCAHO didn't like this very much and we are getting hit because we don't have an official system. I didn't know if that would be something you would come up against with them, so I thought I would pass that on. We now have 3-6 months to get a system in place!! :uhoh21:

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 14, 2005

Anyone using the HUGS system? I guess that is what we will be using from this point on where I work. I have heard very little about it.

BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN · Jul 14, 2005

We use HUGs...it is a PITB....we have false alarms all the time and for a while it would alarm for no reason, shut the whole floor down. We tag any kid over 1kg, unless they are on a vent. The tag is bigger that we would like..it rubs the skin on the little ones and the bands start to stink like a dirty foot, so we try to change them out every week. There has to be a smaller tag for the little ones!

OBRN2004 · Jul 16, 2005

Anyone using the HUGS system? I guess that is what we will be using from this point on where I work. I have heard very little about it.

We use the HUGS system. Let me just tell you it stinks! We have lots of problems with it, from false alarms, to not going off at all. It seems like a good idea, an large electronic braclet on the baby's ankle and all. The parent's sure seem to feel safer. However we have hospital wide "surprise practice drills" all the time and Half the time we never know it is going on, because the alarms don't always go off. We are in the process of looking for a new system. For now, everybody just keeps on high alert. Also, the tags are kind of large as well as tend to rub the baby's ankles. I agree with the other post, the bands do start to stink after a week or so. It's too bad hospitals spend thousands-millions on infant security and it not be 100% reliable. There really is no room for error! Sorry-stepping off the soap box now. :)

Littlewonder · Jul 19, 2005

We use Prosec and I really like the system. It attatches to the cord clamp so that you don't have to worry about removal or stink (until the cord falls off!) You do need diapers that fit though. We can't get purchasing to order newborn diapers and the size ones tend to rub no matter how much they are folded... Our Prosec system is just programmed to sound alarms - it does not lock any doors. I would rather it lock doors as we have several stairwells that lead directly outside. We will be getting a "locked" department soon.

baby&mommynurse · Jul 19, 2005

Thanks for your response. We currently have no alarm system, and have not had one for over 20 years. We have some security measures, like different name tags, cameras, watchful staff, and lots of drills. However, JCAHO didn't like this very much and we are getting hit because we don't have an official system. I didn't know if that would be something you would come up against with them, so I thought I would pass that on. We now have 3-6 months to get a system in place!! :uhoh21:

It seems like my hospital is the only one out of all the posters that don't use some kind of infant security system other than staff and surveillance. Other than ID bands (two on baby and two others, one on each parent or significant other or both on mom if dad isn't present at the delivery), we also have security doors. No one could come into the unit without checking in first at the main lobby, then again with a staff member when the come up to visit. As far as making sure mom has the right baby, the mom is encouraged to keep baby with her, but if baby is ever taken for a procedure, mom has to read her number to the nurse and the nurse makes sure the baby's number and mom's number matches when brought back to her. The staff members have special badges that easily identify us as "appropriate" staff to work with the moms and babies. We also have security guards constantly patrolling the unit throughout the day. Periodically we practice infant abduction drills, too. Our system seems to work out just fine and it's been like this forever. We haven't had any problems with JCAHO, but now that you've mentioned it, perhaps me may have to end up changing our system soon.