The Democratic National Convention is in Philadelphia this week (July 25-28, 2016). Therefore, we wanted to let you know that Cooper University Health Care is prepared for any medical needs of convention participants and we have reviewed our security measures for the safety of our staff, patients, and visitors.
As South Jersey’s only state-designated Level 1 Trauma Center and the Southern Regional Medical Coordination Center, Cooper always maintains a foundation of preparedness at all times. While the convention in not expected to have a significant impact in South Jersey, our Security Department and Emergency Management Committee have been reviewing plans and protocols and have been in constant communication with regional planning authorities to stay up-to-date on current developments.
Cooper’s Security staff, in partnership with Camden County Sheriff’s Department officers, is present on the hospital campus at all times to maintain a safe environment. In addition, all Cooper employees have a responsibility for maintaining campus safety. Here are a few tips and reminders:
- All employees and volunteers must wear their ID badge at collar level at all times. Vendors and outside consultants must also have the proper ID.
- All visitors to the hospital must obtain a pass before proceeding to patient rooms or treatment areas.
- If you see someone without a pass or ID badge, employees should politely stop them and escort them to where they can obtain a pass.
- If a visitor has a pass but seems lost, employees should escort them to their destination per our Service Standards.
- Report any suspicious persons or activities to Security.
Please be aware that last Sunday evening (July 17, 2016), a group of approximately 10 individuals carrying protest signs walked through the lobby of our hospital entering from the Martin Luther King Boulevard entrance and exiting at the Kelemen Building entrance. While the group did not cause a commotion or obstruct traffic in the lobby, we want to remind all employees that only patients, their visitors, or those having business at Cooper are permitted in our facilities. We are reviewing our security procedures to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.
If you see any suspicious activity, contact the Cooper Security Department:
- Call 856.342.2400 from outside Cooper.
- Call extension 2400 from the internal phone system.
Call extension 655 in the internal phone system in the event of an emergency situation.