Grey Bruce Health Services has just added an extra layer of protection to ensure the 725 babies born in the Owen Sound Regional Hospital are safe and secure.

A new security program on the Women and Child Care Unit includes the addition of a high tech infant monitoring system. Each newborn is provided with a light-weight, self-adjusting band that fits comfortably around the baby’s ankle. The band is linked to an electronic tracking system that identifies the infant’s location, and if the baby is moved to a restricted zone, the band triggers an alarm, and exits are automatically locked.

“Our staff work very closely with families to reinforce the importance of infant security, and now we have an electronic system that provides enhanced safety features for additional peace of mind for everyone,” said Sue Snowdon, Manager, WCCU.

In addition to the new infant monitoring bands, all visitors must identify themselves to a member of staff prior to entering and exiting the locked unit after hours, and the doors to Intensive Care Nursery are now locked 24/7. “These new safety measures assure families that their newborns are being well cared for and are safe and secure, all day, every day,” said Snowdon. “The response from parents and staff has been extremely positive.”

The Women and Child Care Unit provides care to women and children across Grey and Bruce counties and is the regional birthing unit for expecting families. To learn more about the Unit and the services provided by GBHS interdisciplinary team of professionals, please click here.

source: media release, GBHS