Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex opened in 2017, designed by Todd Architects has recently won Building of the Year – Public Award at the Building & Architect of the Year Awards. The complex presents two wards with 40 single in-patient rooms and aims to promote patient privacy and dignity whilst complying with the latest infection prevention and control standards.
A further 22 recovery beds are available for patients recuperating from Day Case Surgery. Working with Building Protection Systems and the Primary Health Trust, Comelit Group created a solution to allow access to visitors after ‘normal hours’ when a Department or entrance is locked-down.
Ability to communicate
There were many different elements that had to be considered carefully when researching how to effectively manage the hospital security systems"
The main requirement was for combined Access and Intercom system to divert to a separate location and provide the same ability to communicate with the caller and release the door remotely. Clive Kinnear, Senior Manager – F&S Systems Sales At Building Protection Systems added: “There were many different elements that had to be considered carefully when researching how to effectively manage the hospital security systems. Not least to provide a welcoming and calming environment that supports patients, staff and visitor health and well-being.”
“Any security technology must be strategically placed, unobtrusive and not affect the aesthetics. And it is with the intention of creating this balance Comelit Group really showed their true market leading ability in the sector, to understand our intentions and ensure the best, centrally managed door entry solution was installed throughout the complex.”
Emergency call points
The overall solution was the integration of an Intercom to communicate across the Trust’s IT Network. Door entrance panels were connected and the system programmed to ensure out of hours calls are automatically transferred. This covers main entrances to the building and also Car Parking Barrier Help Stations to assist with car park barrier issues.
Comelit Group provided over 50 systems across the whole site, using both its renowned ViP and Simplebus system technologies
Comelit Group provided over 50 systems across the whole site, using both its renowned ViP and Simplebus system technologies. A mix of Vandalcom and Ikall Entry panels were used, calling Icona Video monitors. A further range of emergency call points are located in the car park, all centrally managed and provided with a concierge unit facility and off site monitoring, using Comelit’s C-Bridge to connect to the South Western Area Hospital in Enniskillen.
Integrated approach
Mike Campbell. Business Development Manager at Comelit Group UK concluded: “Providing security for hospitals involves more than the best choice of products and services – it also requires best practices and an integrated approach to ensure security incorporating door entry, safety and convenience.”
“The adaptability of our ViP technology allowed us to work with the contractors to supply a high-¬quality system and offer greater flexibility and reliability. By installing this together with our flagship Simplebus solution, Omagh Hospital & Primary Care Complex can achieve maximum communication with no signal loss over the complete grounds. And this is on a 24 / 7 / 365 basis, including car park facilities, for the benefit and security of all staff, patients and visitors.”
