Beginning Wednesday (July 6) all visitors to Covenant Children’s will need to present a driver’s license or other photo identification as they enter the hospital. The new policy will be in effect every day, around the clock.
“Due to incidents around the country and lessons learned in other facilities, Covenant Children’s will take additional and permanent precautions for the safety of everyone on our campus, including patients, visitors and our staff,” said Dr. Amy Thompson, CEO and chief medical officer at Covenant Children’s.
The hospital has completed installation and training on the new Lobby Guard system. All adults entering the hospital will be required to present a photo ID to secure a visitor’s badge or “family” wristband. Children age 12 and older will be required to have the wristband or badge as well.
Steve Barker, director of facilities security and parking at Covenant, said the same system is installed at Lubbock ISD and is simple to use.
“This is one of many important security procedures going in place across our country including schools and hospitals,” Barker said. “Security has changed in my 44 years in law enforcement with nine of those at Covenant Health. We must take precautions to protect our patients, visitors and staff in this changing world. I pray one day we do not have to worry about this, but it takes everyone working together to keep us all safe. The Covenant staff provides safety, patient care, community involvement, excellence, passion, dignity, service, and justice each day. Security is everyone’s job and we appreciate the help.”
(News release from Covenant Health)
