News

The Health Services Authority (HSA) is enhancing its visitor policy by implementing a new system that issues temporary photo identification (ID) badges to visitors of patients in inpatient areas. The new system aligns with current global hospital standards, making it easier for staff to identify visitors, which speeds up verification processes and improves hospital efficiency.

Currently visitors must check in and out at the Information Booth in the main entrance (Atrium), with the exception of visitors to Accident & Emergency (A&E). Effective Tuesday, 14 January 2025 all those visiting patients within HSA’s wards will be required to have their photo taken. The photo will be used to produce a photo badge that will then be provided to the visitor for them to have access to these secured areas and for staff within these areas to easily identify them. Visitors are required to present a government-issued photo ID (e.g. passport, driver’s license, voter’s card, work ID) at check-in as usual.

CEO Lizzette Yearwood said, “This new photo ID badge system is an easy and effective way to increase current building security measures by identifying everyone who enters our hospital. Visitor photo ID is a simple system that is being used at many of the leading hospitals across the United States and other countries, and it has proved to be very effective.

“This is a measure that will protect visitors and their loved ones who we’ve been entrusted to care for and help to reduce misunderstandings or delays, especially in busy areas or sensitive zones. Photos add an additional layer of security by preventing badge swapping or misuse. Also, in case of an emergency, having a photo of each visitor can assist in identification and evacuation efforts,” she continued.

Inpatient areas include the Paediatric, Critical Care, Maternity and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Ambulatory Care Unit (ACU), Surgical, and Medical Units.

This is the first stage of a system the HSA plans to further expand to other visitors to the hospital. This initiative aligns with its commitment to protecting visitors’ information in accordance with HSA's Privacy Policy. For more details on how HSA handles personal data, please visit https://www.hsa.ky/privacy-policy.

For more information on HSA’s Visitor’s Policy, please visit https://www.hsa.ky/patients-visitors/visiting-a-patient.