At Spectrum Health, we take your safety and security seriously. All staff members are required to wear standardized hospital identification badges, which include our logo, and the staff member's name, photograph and title. Caregivers will introduce themselves before caring for you. If a staff member is new or unfamiliar, ask who they are.

Security

Security officers patrol Spectrum Health's hospitals and grounds, as well as assist patients and visitors when needed. Call the security department at (616) 391-1425.

Environmental Safety

Visitors are asked not to bring latex balloons to the hospital. Some patients, staff and volunteers are sensitive to latex. You may bring Mylar balloons, which are available at area stores and in our hospital gift shops. If you have a latex sensitivity, inform hospital staff immediately.

Newborn Security Measures

Information about security measures for newborns is given to parents at arrival. Read the information carefully and ask questions about your hospital stay. All staff members who work with mothers and their newborns have a unique identification badge. This includes medical staff, physicians, environmental services staff and volunteers. If any person or situation makes you uneasy or uncomfortable, tell your nurse.

Children Visiting Spectrum Health

Keep your child/children close to you when visiting a patient. If a child becomes lost during your visit, immediately tell the nearest Spectrum Health staff member-look for the photo identification badge. Staff members have been trained to implement a response plan to locate lost children.

Overhead Pages

When visiting, you might hear the operator informing staff and visitors of a security issue. The pages could include:

• Plan F: This means a fire alarm has been triggered. The operator will announce where the alarm was activated. The alarm might be a false alarm, a system test or an actual fire. Visitors who hear the page "Plan F" should:
  • Remain calm.
  • Ask a Spectrum Health staff member for instructions-look for the photo identification badge. If an area needs to be evacuated, staff members will help you exit the area safely.
• Tornado Watch: This means weather conditions are favorable for a tornado to form. Visitors who hear the page "Tornado Watch" do not have to do anything. Staff members will prepare their areas in the event of a tornado.
• Tornado Warning: This means a tornado has been sighted. Visitors who hear the page "Tornado Warning" should:
  • Remain calm.
  • Ask a Spectrum Health staff member for instructions-look for the photo identification badge. Staff members will direct you to shelter areas in the hospital.

Emergency and Disaster Preparedness

Spectrum Health works closely with local government agencies. Our staff members work with Kent County Emergency Medical Services, West Michigan Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) and the Local Emergency Planning Committee. Spectrum Health also has a Hospital Emergency Response Team that regularly conducts disaster drills.

Here are some tips for helping your local hospital in a disaster situation:

• Listen to your local news stations for updates and instructions.
• Do not call the main hospital telephone number unless you have an emergency. Increased call volume can jam the telephone system.
• The hospital will lock down during a disaster situation. Do not try to enter. The lock-down keeps those inside and outside the hospital safe.
• If possible, seek medical help from other area hospitals or urgent care centers.