NCJ Number
108420
Journal
Journal of Security Administration Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Dated: (July 1987) Pages: 52-57
Date Published
1987
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The patient-valuables program of the Hackley Hospital in Muskegon, Mich., has not only reduced larcenies in the hospital but has enhanced the personalizing of the hospital's services to patients.
Abstract
The valuables program is part of a total, well-planned loss-prevention program at Hackley. Every patient admissions packet recommends that patients send money and valuables home with family members or have the nurse place any valuables in a valuables envelope. The envelope is sealed and taken to the security office to be kept in a safe until the patient requests the return of the valuables. A followup visit is made by a security officer to each new patient within 24 hours of admission to encourage the patient to use the valuables envelope. The nursing staff is encouraged to watch for situations which may require that valuables be secured. When a patient uses a valuables envelope (a supply is kept at each nursing station), the nurse and patient inventory the valuables together, listing them on a carboned sheet attached to the envelope. The inventory is signed by the nurse and the patient. The top copy of the inventory list is attached to the patient's chart, and the bottom copy goes with the envelope, which is taken by a security officer to the security office. Since the program was begun over 6 months ago, there has not been a single reported larceny from a patient. 2 tables.