Upgrading Healthcare Security without the Headache

Healthcare is the third-largest industry in the U.S., projected to grow from $676 billion in 2023 to $987 billion by 2028 (after EBITDA), according to McKinsey & Co. With more than 22 million employees and healthcare spending accounting for 17.6% of GDP, the stakes have never been higher.

For hospitals and healthcare facilities, maintaining a safe and secure environment is critical—but switching security providers can seem daunting. Evaluating risks, balancing costs, and ensuring a seamless transition are all necessary steps in the process.

The best security providers don’t just excel once they’re up and running; they also know how to make the onboarding process smooth for administrators, healthcare professionals and patients alike.  

In today’s article we’ll outline how healthcare organizations can minimize disruption, assess provider quality, and ensure continuity while upgrading their security services. 

Minimizing disruption through proactive transition planning

Transitioning to a new security provider comes with inherent risks, such as lack of information sharing, unexpected staffing gaps, and facility-related knowledge loss.

That said, a change in security providers should never feel like a burden for healthcare staff. A well-managed transition is built on meticulous planning, ensuring a seamless shift without operational setbacks.

Key steps for a successful security transition include:

1. Emergency preparedness and facility tours: Before deployment, security personnel conduct on-site tours and training to familiarize themselves with emergency protocols, facility layouts, and key areas to ensure readiness from day one.
2. Operational readiness checks: New security teams must be fully equipped—uniformed, credentialed, and trained in site-specific procedures—before stepping on-site.
3. Stakeholder communication and change management: Frontline staff should be engaged early to ease concerns and integrate security as a support system rather than a source of disruption.
4. Ongoing training and continuous support: A structured onboarding program, frequent check-ins, and feedback loops help refine security operations and ensure alignment with facility needs.

By embedding these elements into the transition process, healthcare organizations can focus on patient care without interruptions caused by provider changes. 

Evaluating provider quality: does your prospective security partner meet the highest standards?

Switching security providers presents both risks and opportunities. A top-tier provider will offer highly trained officers, tailored healthcare security programs, and compliance with industry best practices, including:

• IAHSS certifications: Officers should be certified by the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) and trained in trauma-informed care.
• Regulatory compliance: The provider should help meet workplace violence mitigation requirements, ensuring a safer environment for staff and patients.
• Motivated, professional personnel: Security personnel should be committed, well-trained, and prepared to manage the unique challenges of a healthcare setting.

Ensuring that your new security provider meets these criteria is essential for maintaining a safe, supportive environment that enhances both patient and staff experiences. 

Beyond cost: the value of a patient-centered security approach

While pricing is a factor in security decisions, healthcare security is not just a commodity—it’s an investment in the safety of patients, staff, and visitors. A trusted security partner must understand the complexities of the healthcare sector and take a human-centered approach to safety.

Security teams should be trained in high emotional intelligence, trauma-informed care, and de-escalation techniques.

In fact, with healthcare workers accounting for 73% of all nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses due to violence, according to a 2018 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ensuring staff are protected against increasing levels of threats and violence is critical. 

That’s why a security provider aligned with your healthcare organization’s values will enhance trust, improve patient experiences, and foster a safer environment for everyone. 

A case in point: seamless security transition at Nashville General Hospital

When Nashville General Hospital needed to replace an underperforming security provider, they faced a strict 30-day transition timeline. As a safety net hospital serving all patients, they encountered unique security challenges, including high volumes of patients in distress.

GardaWorld Security ensured a smooth transition through:

• Proactive planning and clear communication
• Frequent stakeholder engagement
• A structured onboarding process

The result? A seamless switch with no disruption to hospital operations, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on patient care.

"Our staff feels comfortable making calls to security because they know they're going to show up,” says Kerry Mazingo, Nashville General Hospital’s Security Manager. “They're going to ask appropriate questions, and they're going to handle the situation appropriately.”    

Read more: Nashville General Hospital Benefits from GardaWorld's Expertise | GardaWorld Security 

Ready to make the transition? Let’s talk.

Healthcare security is a specialized field that requires deep expertise, and the fact is that not all providers have the industry knowledge or training to deliver high-quality service in hospital environments.

With over 20 years of experience and partnerships with 150+ healthcare facilities nationwideacross the US, GardaWorld Security sets the gold standard in healthcare security. Officers are trained in:

• Patient-centric de-escalation techniques
• Trauma-informed care and crisis intervention
• Physical intervention strategies tailored to healthcare settings

By seamlessly integrating with hospital staff, GardaWorld Security’s teams act as an extension of your healthcare team, ensuring safety while maintaining a compassionate environment.

Upgrading healthcare security shouldn’t be a headache. With proven expertise in managing seamless transitions, GardaWorld Security ensures that your facility remains secure without disrupting daily operations. Let’s discuss how we can support your teams in delivering exceptional care while ensuring safety at every level.