E78 – Safe Perimeter, Secure Care: A Case Study of the University of Kentucky Medical Center Perimeter Project

Historically, the University of Kentucky Medical Center operated with virtually no electronic security systems in place, leaving its expansive healthcare perimeter vulnerable to unauthorized access and significant safety risks. Recognizing the urgent need for a fundamental shift in institutional safety, the organization embarked on a transformative journey to secure its facilities. This transition was anchored by a rigorous, data-driven, comprehensive security assessment that identified critical vulnerabilities within the hospital’s footprint. The resulting strategy secured vital commitment and multi-year funding from the C-suite, signaling a shift in organizational culture that prioritized security as a core component of patient care. By implementing a highly controlled perimeter, UKMC has successfully mitigated threats while maintaining a healing environment.

This session provides actionable insights into conducting high-impact security assessments to address the unique challenges of healthcare environments. Attendees will learn how to develop compelling business cases that secure stakeholder approval and funding while ensuring solutions align with patient-centric care. By leveraging data-driven techniques, participants will leave with practical tools to deliver evidence-based results. Equipped to confidently articulate the critical role of security in healthcare operations, attendees will leave with practical methods to drive long-term electronic security improvements while maintaining environments that prioritize safety and healing.