Newton Independent
A new state-of-the-art infant security system recently went live at Skiff Medical Center's Obstetrics Department, hospital officials announced in a recent release.
The United Hospital Hugs Infant Security System, approved for purchase by the Skiff board of trustees in December, was installed last month and went live during the first week of March.
Designed to prevent infant abductions, the system utilizes a "Hugs" radio transmitter tag contained in a small casing that is attached to the baby using a tamper-proof strap. The tag is put on within minutes of the baby's birth, as soon as doctors and nurses determine both mother and baby are stable and doing well.
The system features skin-sensitive technology that activates as soon as the band is placed on the baby. If the band is cut, removed or tampered with, alarms sound to alert staff and the unit goes into lockdown status.
Skiff has used electronic security systems in its obstetrics unit since 1998. The old system, while still operable, had become dated with technical support no longer available.
"It was perfectly functional and all of our babies were protected," said interim OB Director Nancy Burke, an employee of the consulting firm B.E. Smith. "But if something had stopped working, it could no longer be fixed. So this was the right time to act."
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