subject: Protecting Hospitals With Internet Cameras [print this page] IP cameras provide the latest in security technology. In a hospital environment, nothing is more important than the safety of those who work and stay in this area. It is the job of any responsible hospital to do everything within the realm of possibility to make sure all who enter the hospital grounds feel safe and protected, and this means using the latest technology available to make this happen.
An Introduction to IP Cameras
"IP" stands for Internet Protocol, meaning the cameras record video that is stored on the internet, rather than on physical tapes. This means storing footage is far easier and more cost-effective, and reduces the need to delete previous video, which may have been necessary in the past when storing hundreds of hours of surveillance footage would have meant storing hundreds of tapes. Now, the physical space required for that amount of data can be just one hard drive, less than the size of a slice of bread.
Another added convenience is the accessibility to the location being monitored. Since the data is sent over the internet, it need not be restricted to a single security room. Video can be sent to anywhere in the world, meaning authorities can be made aware of criminal activities, and given visual identification of criminals, almost instantaneously. When you consider that most crimes are committed within the first twenty-four hours of their occurrence, the benefits of such time saving devices becomes more than just a nice convenience.
Risks Involved With Internet Cameras in Hospitals
While network cameras present a great advantage to any hospital utilizing their services, there are still a number of risks involved. One is that with the up-to-date technology being utilized, the necessity of the physical presence of security staff to maintain safety may be downplayed. While security cameras can record an event and prosecute perpetrators, they cannot help to stop a crime that is taking place. In a hospital situation involving life and death matters, the presence of real people to protect staff, patients and their families is of the utmost importance.
Tampering is also still possible with network cameras, and hackers could vandalize video servers. While there is a very low chance of this occurring, those running the security system should make sure computers are equipped with software that can scan for viruses, detect malicious activity and protect the computer from spyware.
Patient privacy, as well as the privacy of employees, should always be respected. The technology of these cameras offers great benefits, but these can be exploited to invade the privacy of patients and staff. These devices should be used only to protect those within the hospital, and should not be taken advantage of.
While there are risks associated with the use of network cameras, they are almost a necessity thanks to the benefits they provide through costs, effectiveness and efficiency. A hospital running IP cameras will offer greater safety to those inside, and so upgrading a hospitals security system to include internet cameras should be seriously considered.
