CentraCare improves patient care and strengthens security with Axis network cameras
Upgrading Surveillance to Improve Patient Care
The growing CentraCare umbrella encompasses four hospitals, four long-term care facilities, nearly a dozen clinics and numerous specialty services throughout Minnesota. Yet its disparate security systems and old technologies at various properties raised concerns about potential risk and liability. Some facilities used DVR-based analog CCTV systems, and some relied solely on the presence of security staff. They needed to integrate surveillance between sites and centrally monitor all cameras.
Working with Minneapolis-based systems integrator Pro-Tec Design, CentraCare deployed AXIS Q7406 Video Encoders to upgrade the existing analog cameras with network capabilities. The now-digitized video streams were integrated into the new IP system and monitored at CentraCare’s security office in St. Cloud using Milestone XProtect video management software. Since then, more than 300 analog cameras have been replaced by Axis network cameras. The new system monitors everything from front entrances and patient wards to ambulance bays and weapons screening areas. They also installed pin-hole sized, AXIS P1214-E Network Cameras above medicinal narcotics lockers to verify the identity of those accessing the drugs.