DCH Health System Adds Blue Boxes, Mobile Camera Units to Step Up Security

DCH Health System has increased security measures at Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa following the tragic murder of a 27-year-old nurse in the facility's parking lot in May.

"We have added signage to many of the light poles throughout our parking areas with the phone number for our 24/7 security team and are rolling out badge buddies to all caregivers with information on how to contact security at each of our facilities," the system stated on social media Thursday.

READ MORE: VCU Says Mentally Ill Man Killed Nurse in Random Robbery at DCH Regional Medical Center

DCH has also added blue emergency boxes in the Regional Medical Center's south and laundry parking lots, both of which include direct connectivity to security teams.

The University of Alabama has allowed the facility to place a mobile camera unit in the laundry lot, adding additional surveillance to the area.

READ MORE: DCH Chief Medical Officer, Chief Nursing Officer Address Staff in Emotional Video

The visibility of the security team has been enhanced by the addition of yellow safety vests for team members and clearly marked vehicles to patrol parking lots, and off-duty police officers have been contracted to assist with monitoring the facility.

DCH Health System is also making escorts available to caregivers and visitors; this additional security may be requested by calling the hospital's security or asking any team member.

"The safety and well-being of our caregivers, patients, visitors, and community remain our highest priorities. We will continue to listen, evaluate, and act," DCH shared in its statement. "This is an ongoing commitment to every person who entrusts us with their care, and to every caregiver who shows up to provide it."