Weekends and After-Hours Hospital Access
August 21, 2023

Date: 8/21/2023

As a reminder, weekend and after-hours access to the hospital entrance doors leading from the Meadows and Rivers Pavilions are limited to hospital staff only.

For entrance to the hospital between the hours of 6:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on weekdays, and around the clock on weekends, please use the main entrance of the Oaks Pavilion and visit our information desk for any questions or concerns upon your arrival.

The Alexander T. August Military Medical Center (ATAMMC) continues to evaluate our practices as we strive to take care of those who entrust us with their care.

In addition to your healthcare needs, we constantly maintain efforts as a High Reliability Organization (HRO) to ensure your safety is a priority as well.

Our goal is to create a culture of safety, where errors are minimized and the risk for preventable events are reduced as much as possible. This occasionally involves reinforcing safety measures as we continue to deliver high-quality services while maintaining the trust and confidence of our beneficiaries.

After-hours hospital safety measures refer to the protocols and precautions taken by healthcare facilities to ensure the safety and security of patients, staff, and visitors during non-business hours. These measures are put in place to address potential risks and emergencies that may occur when the hospital is operating with reduced staff and resources. Some common after hours hospital safety measures include:

1. Security personnel: Hospitals often have security personnel on duty 24/7 to monitor and control access to the facility. They may patrol the premises, monitor surveillance cameras, and respond to any security incidents.
2. Restricted access: During after hours, hospitals may limit access to certain areas of the facility to authorized personnel only. This helps prevent unauthorized individuals from entering sensitive areas and ensures the safety of patients and staff.
3. Emergency response plans: Hospitals have emergency response plans in place to handle various situations, such as fires, natural disasters, or security threats. These plans outline the steps to be taken during emergencies and ensure a coordinated response from staff.
4. Alarm systems: Hospitals are equipped with alarm systems that can alert staff in case of emergencies. These alarms may include fire alarms, panic buttons, or duress alarms that can be activated to call for immediate assistance.
5. Emergency power supply: Hospitals have backup power generators to ensure uninterrupted power supply during emergencies or power outages. This is crucial for maintaining critical medical equipment and providing essential services.
6. Communication systems: Hospitals have reliable communication systems in place to facilitate effective communication between staff members during after hours. This includes phone systems, pagers, and two-way radios to ensure quick response and coordination.
7. Training and drills: Hospital staff undergo regular training and drills to familiarize themselves with emergency procedures and protocols. This helps ensure that they are prepared to handle emergencies effectively and efficiently.
8. Patient monitoring: Hospitals may have monitoring systems in place to track and monitor patients during after hours. This can include video surveillance, patient tracking systems, or remote monitoring devices to ensure patient safety and well-being.
9. Visitor policies: Hospitals may have specific visitor policies during after hours to ensure the safety and security of patients. This may include restricted visiting hours, visitor registration, and identification requirements.
10. Regular maintenance and inspections: Hospitals conduct regular maintenance and inspections of their facilities and equipment to identify and address any potential safety hazards. This helps prevent accidents and ensures a safe environment for patients and staff.

Overall, after hours hospital safety measures are designed to mitigate risks and ensure the well-being of everyone in the facility during non-business hours. These measures are essential for maintaining a safe and secure healthcare environment.

More detailed information is also available on the A.T. Augusta Military Medical Center Facebook page: facebook.com/ATAMMC.DHA.