In its most recent CQC review, the Trust was rated ‘Outstanding’ for overall quality and leadership. Key management from the main reception area was, however, highlighted as an issue impacting time and resources, with too great a reliance on manual processes, including recording key locations on paper – which was a particular problem out of hours. A more automated management solution was required, to provide Security managers with instant accountability amongst staff with keys in their possession.
Liam Topham, the Trust’s Security manager, said: “Hospitals such as Kingston present a complex security challenge. With 48 different buildings covering a large site, and many keys in operation, it was becoming a challenge for our already busy reception area to manage and ensure their safe return, especially at staff handovers. We needed a smarter, simple-to-operate quick-to-respond, solution, with no disruption to the hospital’s running.”
Kingston Hospital thus installed Traka’s ‘intelligent’ key cabinet, with accommodation for 50 keys. With specialist software allowing for central management control, this provides a full audit trail of all key transactions. This has already saved the reception area time and resources allocated to key management.
“Traka presented standalone resources designed to meet the hospital’s specific needs with excellent technical support,” Liam Topham added. “The added security benefit is the audit control, with alerts sent to our security teams if keys haven’t been returned. The cabinet has been well received, and staff are especially happy with the time being saved.”
Ben Farrar, Traka’s Market Development manager, said: “Within Kingston’s security portfolio, the adaptability of the Traka technology allowed us to work with the Security team to supply a bespoke solution. The systems look to enhance key management across the site, and improve communications, operations, and workflow. The audit trail capability further enhances key management, and this all combines to operate 24/7, 365 days a year, for the ongoing benefit and security of all staff, patients, and visitors.”