Safety/Security

Safety and security of your newborn are shared responsibilities. You, your family and friends, and the Medical Center all play an important role. Saint Francis Family BirthPlace responsibilities include:

• Saint Francis Family BirthPlace staff has special ID badges that are different from the staff working in other areas of the Medical Center.
• All Saint Francis Family BirthPlace staff wears scrubs that are only used in the birth center.
• The Saint Francis Family BirthPlace has its own entrance. Once inside the Medical Center, there is only one entrance to the Saint Francis Family BirthPlace.
• The Saint Francis Family BirthPlace has an electronic security system. At birth, a special transducer is put on your newborn. The system knows where your baby is at all times.
• The Saint Francis Family BirthPlace has a visitor log. All visitors have to sign in and out so there is a record of every person on the unit.
• The Saint Francis Family BirthPlace has a staff member at the main nursing station to make sure all visitors sign in and out.
• At birth, your baby is foot printed and your fingerprint is also taken.
• At birth, your baby is identified with bands that include your name, medical record number, date, gender, and time of delivery and doctor's name. Four bands will be made: two for your baby, one for you and one for the person who has overnight privileges. Please be careful in choosing who will receive the fourth band.
• The Saint Francis Family BirthPlace conducts security and abduction drills on a regular basis to ensure every possible action is taken by the staff to prevent such occurrences.
• If for any reason your baby has to leave the unit for a special test or treatment, he is accompanied by a staff member who puts your baby's name in a log, along with date, time and reason for leaving the unit.
• At birth, an ID card is made. The staff presents you with your personal ID card and explains where your baby is going and why. DO NOT give your baby to any person who is not properly identified with a Saint Francis Family BirthPlace ID badge and in Saint Francis Family BirthPlace scrubs.

 
The Saint Francis Family BirthPlace cannot assure the safety and security of your baby without the assistance of you and your family. Family responsibilities include:

• Be aware of the Saint Francis Family BirthPlace staff. Ask for the name of everyone who enters your room. Know the name of your nurse, and call if anyone who is not authorized enters your room.
• If there are friends and/or family members who you do not want to visit you while you are in the Saint Francis Family BirthPlace, please make sure their names and descriptions are given to your nurse.
• Look at ID badges and never give your baby to anyone who is not properly identified with an ID badge.
• Never leave your baby in any unattended area. When bringing your baby back to the nursery, make sure you give your baby to a staff member.
• Do not cut or change any bands. If there is a problem, please call your nurse.
• Encourage family members and visitors to sign in and out at the main nurses station. Remind your family and friends they play a part in the safety and security of your baby.
• Keep visiting to family members and close friends.
• The transducer will not be removed until you are ready to leave the Saint Francis Family BirthPlace to go home.
• Please cooperate with the Saint Francis Family BirthPlace staff if you are present during a drill.
• The Saint Francis Family BirthPlace requires upon discharge that your baby is placed in an approved car seat for transport home.
• Enjoy your baby. If everyone plays their part, your baby's safety will be ensured.