Day Hospital: A Panic and Verification System for Wards and Nurses’ Stations

Hospitals and day clinics rely on fast, clear communication to keep patients safe. When something goes wrong in a ward, nurses need to know exactly where it’s happening, immediately.

One of our recent healthcare projects, completed for a new day hospital on the Cape Flats, showed just how important a reliable panic and alert system is in a medical environment.

The hospital needed a solution that would allow nursing staff to:
• Monitor multiple wards in real time
• See exactly where a panic activation originated
• Respond within seconds
• Coordinate effectively with on-site security

Here’s how we helped them achieve it.


The Challenge: Creating Instant Visibility Across Multiple Wards

The hospital’s layout included several wards monitored from a central nurses’ station, which meant the team needed a clear and reliable way to identify where a panic was triggered, without relying on audio-only alarms or physical checks.

Security also needed their own dedicated channel to monitor staff-related panic activations. Their role was to respond only when required, without disrupting clinical operations.

In short, the hospital needed a fast, intuitive, dual-response system that supported both nurses and security personnel without adding complexity.


Our Solution: A Custom Paradox EVO192 Panic & Alert System for Healthcare

Spectrum Security Projects installed a customised panic and alert system using Paradox technology, with equipment supplied by Olitron Security Technologies.

To meet the hospital’s needs, the solution included:

• A Paradox EVO192 control panel as the core of the system
• ZX82 expanders and PGM82 modules to handle the logic and automation
• Specialised hospital-grade call buttons in each ward
• Visual indicators above ward doors to show exactly where a call originated
• A custom mimic panel at the nurses’ station for instant visual verification
• A separate panic system for staff, monitored independently by security

This setup ensures nurses can respond quickly to patient emergencies while security focuses solely on staff-related alerts.


The Outcome: Faster Response Times and Better Ward Coordination

The upgraded system has already made a significant difference in day-to-day operations:

• Faster response during emergencies
• Improved coordination between nursing staff
• Better oversight during night shifts
• Increased overall safety for patients and staff
• A calmer, more controlled environment during panic events

Because the system is straightforward, staff adopted it quickly with minimal training.

Why This System Works So Well in Healthcare Environments

Hospitals need more than a basic alarm. They need a system that supports confident decision-making, especially when every second matters.

The Paradox EVO192 platform works exceptionally well in healthcare because it:
• Handles complex, multi-ward logic
• Integrates seamlessly with visual indicators and mimic panels
• Performs reliably in high-pressure situations
• Scales easily as facilities expand
• Remains serviceable and cost-effective over time

Final Thoughts: A Practical Security Upgrade for Modern Day Hospitals

Every healthcare facility is different, but the need for fast, accurate communication is universal. By using Paradox technology with a tailored system design, we were able to improve patient safety, support nursing workflows, and strengthen coordination between medical and security teams.

If you’d like to explore similar healthcare security solutions or need guidance on designing a panic and alert system for your facility, our team is here to help.
You can reach out to Olitron anytime, we’re always happy to assist.