Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Tewksbury Hospital has recently completed a substantial overhaul of its security systems in collaboration with the Tewksbury Police Department. This joint effort, which began after a detailed security review, aims to provide better protection for patients, staff, and visitors, and also offers a fresh model for hospital security that can be emulated elsewhere in the Commonwealth. In a statement obtained by Mass.gov, officials highlighted the multi-year strategy to bolster hospital safety, focusing on aligning policies with best practices, upgrading technology, and strengthening coordination with local first responders.
With the announcement of this partnership, Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah, MD, MBA, emphasized the significance of collaboration in safety matters. Launched after an increase in calls related mostly to patients leaving the grounds without authorization, the hospital has seen the need to strengthen the relationship with the Tewksbury Police for expanded coverage. Chief Ryan Columbus noted the power of this collaboration in enhancing safety and setting an example, told Mass.gov in an interview.
The security improvement plan at Tewksbury Hospital includes rigorously updated policies and procedures, professional development for public safety personnel, and the implementation of more robust screening processes. Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD, connected safety directly with clinical excellence. "Safety is inseparable from excellent care," he said in a statement, underscoring the hospital's commitment to a secure environment as part of its mission to provide compassionate care.
New training has been a part of this security initiative, with Tewksbury Hospital's Public Safety personnel completing more than 2,000 hours of professional development. They have engaged in joint exercises with Tewksbury Police, preparing for scenarios that include patient elopements and the appropriate use of force. Jason Smith, Director of Safety, Security, and Emergency Management at Tewksbury Hospital, committed to creating a safer environment, the investments in training and communication systems reveal, as quoted by Mass.gov.
Further enhancements at Tewksbury Hospital consist of increased staffing, the addition of advanced communications equipment for quicker response times, and the integration of the AlertsMA mass-notification system to inform during emergencies. These improvements were spurred by a review started in February 2024, involving security professionals and stakeholder feedback. The resultant security upgrade, unfolding over the past year, marks a proactive effort to forge a safer community space for years to come.
