Chimera Enhances Emergency Communication for UHS Hospital

Chimera Integrations recently completed a comprehensive security upgrade at UHS General Hospital in Binghamton, N.Y. The hospital, which serves as a critical healthcare provider for the region, faced several challenges with its outdated security systems. These included difficulties in emergency communication, insufficient surveillance coverage and failing access control systems. Chimera’s solution not only modernized the hospital’s security infrastructure but also improved operational efficiency and patient safety.

UHS had long struggled with maintaining efficient communication during emergency situations. The hospital’s existing system lacked the ability to quickly alert security personnel to incidents, delaying response times and potentially putting patients and staff at risk. Additionally, there was minimal visibility across the hospital network, as the aging access control system was prone to failure and the existing surveillance infrastructure was insufficient.

Chimera Integrations, the 2024 SDM Systems Integrator of the Year, was contracted to address these issues and design a solution that would enhance the hospital’s ability to respond to emergencies while improving overall security and operational workflows.

Chimera’s team implemented a wireless panic button system, integrated with UHS’s existing radio communication network. This system, known as Go2Blu, was implemented to allow for immediate communication in the event of an emergency. If a panic button was pressed anywhere in the hospital, the alert would be instantly transmitted to security personnel via their radios, enabling rapid dispatch to the scene. In addition to radio alerts, the system could send notifications through mobile devices, email, and directly to the hospital’s monitoring center, ensuring that all relevant personnel were informed.

The wireless panic button installation was completed in just under two weeks, with around 500 buttons deployed across the hospital. This quick, cost-effective solution drastically improved the hospital’s ability to manage emergencies in real-time.

Chimera also introduced a network of bathroom alert buttons throughout UHS General Hospital, which enabled hospital staff to respond swiftly when restrooms required attention. This innovative addition played a crucial role in enhancing the hospital’s operational efficiency and significantly improved their Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) scores. HCAHPS scores are essential as they directly influence the amount of funding hospitals receive from government sources. By improving patient satisfaction through rapid response capabilities enabled by these alert buttons, UHS General Hospital saw a considerable increase in its HCAHPS scores, leading to increased funding. This additional funding has further enabled the hospital to enhance its services and continue improving patient care outcomes.

Beyond the panic button system, Chimera upgraded UHS’s surveillance and access control capabilities, installing approximately 600 Avigilon cameras throughout the hospital. These cameras were strategically placed to provide comprehensive coverage of critical areas, including entrances, patient care areas and administrative spaces. In addition to the surveillance enhancements, Chimera managed an extensive access control upgrade, covering over 500 doors.

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One of the standout features of the new access control system was its seamless integration with UHS’s Workday human resources software. This integration automated the process of adding and removing employee credentials, ensuring that only authorized personnel could access restricted areas. Furthermore, the system’s scalability allows UHS to expand access control to additional areas or offsite facilities as needed.

Another important aspect of the installation was compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The video surveillance system was carefully designed to ensure that patient privacy was maintained, with no audio recording and strict protocols to keep video data away from sensitive areas. These measures ensure that the hospital meets regulatory requirements while maintaining a secure environment.

A particularly innovative addition to UHS General Hospital’s security system was the installation of an overdose detection system in its restrooms. Using advanced motion detection technology, this system monitors the duration of activity within restrooms and triggers alerts if it detects a prolonged lack of movement. This feature allows hospital staff to quickly respond to potential overdoses or other medical emergencies, ensuring that life-saving assistance is provided as swiftly as possible. The overdose detection system is an example of how security technology can contribute to public health and safety in healthcare environments.

The installation process at the hospital was not without its challenges. As a live, operational healthcare facility, the hospital required special precautions to ensure that patient care was not disrupted. Chimera’s team had to carefully plan and execute installations in sensitive areas, such as operating rooms, where maintaining a sterile environment was critical.

“Our team’s ability to adapt and efficiently implement these critical systems under challenging conditions reflects our commitment to operational excellence,” said Chimera President Casey White.

Additionally, the hospital’s mental health clinics posed unique challenges, as working in these areas required careful coordination to ensure patient safety. Despite these obstacles, Chimera successfully completed the project while minimizing disruptions to hospital operations.

The impact of Chimera’s work at the hospital was substantial. The upgraded systems resulted in faster emergency response times, more reliable access control and enhanced visibility throughout the hospital’s network. One of the most notable achievements was the installation of weapons detection systems at the hospital’s main entrances, which, in the first six months, prevented approximately 140 firearms from entering the facility.

Furthermore, the hospital experienced significant cost savings as a result of the project. Prior to the installation, UHS employed around 120 security guards to manage the facility. After the implementation of Chimera’s advanced security systems, the hospital was able to reduce its security staff to around 50, cutting payroll expenses while maintaining a high level of security.

The system was also designed with scalability in mind, allowing UHS to expand its security infrastructure to cover additional hospital locations and offsite facilities. By transitioning these offsite locations to cloud-based video systems, Chimera reduced installation and operational costs, while ensuring that high-quality video surveillance was maintained.

Chimera Integrations’ work at UHS Hospital demonstrates the power of advanced security technology to improve not only safety but also operational efficiency in healthcare settings. The system’s scalability ensures that UHS is prepared for future expansions, whether they involve adding new hospital locations or integrating additional security features.

As a major healthcare provider and community pillar, UHS General Hospital can now focus more on delivering quality care, knowing that its patients, staff, and facilities are protected by state-of-the-art security systems. Through its innovative approach, Chimera Integrations has provided UHS with a future-proof solution that enhances safety, saves costs and improves patient care.