FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Ms. Lynda Goodrich
HSS - Hospital Shared Services
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303-282-4200 (FAX)
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www.hss-us.com


Denver, Colorado.   March 15, 2007 – Recent Infant Abduction Alerts Prompt Security Strategy Session to Prevent the Unthinkable in California

“Code Pink.” “Lock down.” “Amber Alert.” Despite their best efforts at reducing risk, hospitals across the country are still reporting newborn infant and young children abductions from their facilities.  Even electronic ID bracelets, security cameras and detailed safety procedures are being foiled by the abductors conducting these unthinkable acts. Clearly there is still a dangerous gap in guaranteeing the 24x7 safety of health facilities’ youngest, most delicate patients.

 

Do Northern California hospitals have top-notch infant abduction plans and preventative security systems or are they lagging behind? Sr. VP-Security Tony York, Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and Certified Healthcare Protection Administrator (CHPA) with Hospital Shared Services, a specialized healthcare security services organization, will conduct a complimentary course for hospital personnel on proactive infant protection systems and reactive infant abduction response plans. York will discuss how key hospital staff, electronic security technology and even parents can to work together to enhance the overall security posture of healthcare facilities.

In light of the recent infant abductions in Lubbock, Texas and San Jose, HSS recommends a well-rounded approach to infant security that begins with a comprehensive education program for hospital staff and parents on the steps they can take to prevent such occurrences from happening. “This is the first line of defense,” York says. “Parents should be urged to question any employee who is not properly identified and to call their nurse for assistance before allowing that person to care for their baby.”  

But as the Lubbock event demonstrated, education alone is not enough.  York says, “Healthcare organizations must create an environment that sends a statement that infant security is important here.”  Analysis of trends associated with abductions that have occurred from healthcare facilities since 1983 show that the typical abductor will visit more than one healthcare facility before committing an act.  “They window shop,” says York. Thus the physical layout and electronic security measures in place should be visible and “send a message to potential abductors that it would not be easy to carry out abductions in this facility.” 

The risk of infant abductions is not epidemic; since 1983 there have been 121 reported incidents   including six in the past fourteen months.   However, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children states that “anecdotal evidence suggests many more abduction attempts at birthing facilities each year.”

The HSS program, “Infant Abduction Alert: Strategies to Prevent the Unthinkable” is scheduled for Wednesday, March 21, 2007 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Eden Medical Center, Castro Valley Room at 20130 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley. Call 877-791-3080 for reservations as seats are limited.

For additional information on Infant Abduction Alert Security Programs please contact Tony York, CPP, CHPA at 303-603-3101.

ABOUT: HSS Healthcare Security
Healthcare Security is the nation’s largest and foremost provider of full-service healthcare security programs. The HSS security system is tailored to meet the unique needs of each facility. By working closely with healthcare organizations over many years, HSS is able to create, expand and refine what leading industry experts consider the nation’s most comprehensive healthcare security plans and best practice programs available.  HSS efficiently combines the value-added components and resources of a shared service security program to meet the increasing cost constraints associated with the healthcare industry.


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