Safety & Security We're committed to your safety

At ZCH we take your safety and security seriously. All staff members are required to wear a standardized hospital identification badge that includes our logo and the staff member's name, photograph and title. Caregivers will introduce themselves before caring for you. If a staff member is new or unfamiliar to you, feel free to ask who they are.

Security

If you have a concern, please call the security department at 616.748.2884.

Environmental Safety

Visitors are asked not to bring latex balloons to the hospital as some patients, staff and volunteers are sensitive to latex. You may bring Mylar balloons, which are available at area stores and in our hospital gift shops. If you have a latex sensitivity, inform hospital staff immediately.

Newborn Security Measures

Information about security measures for newborns is given to parents at arrival. Read the information carefully and ask questions about your hospital stay.  If any person or situation makes you uneasy or uncomfortable, tell your nurse. Our state-of-the-art security system is coordinated with a security band placed around a baby’s ankle. This painless band can only be removed by one of our nurses. It will sound an alarm and lock all the doors if the baby comes too close to our secure boundaries.

Children Visiting Zeeland Community Hospital

Keep your child/children close to you when visiting a patient. If a child becomes lost during your visit, immediately tell the nearest ZCH staff member-look for the photo identification badge. Staff members have been trained to implement a response plan to locate lost children. For more information about keeping your child safe, access our safety guide (27 KB, PDF). 

Overhead Pages

When visiting, you might hear the operator informing staff and visitors of a security issue. The pages could include:

Tornado Warning: This means a tornado has been sighted. Visitors who hear the page "Tornado Warning" should:

• Remain calm.
• Ask a ZCH staff member for instructions-look for the photo identification badge. Staff members will direct you to shelter areas in the hospital.

Emergency and Disaster Preparedness

ZCH works closely with local government agencies that regularly conduct disaster drills. In the event of a real disaster, here are some tips for helping your local hospital in a disaster situation:

• Listen to your local news stations for updates and instructions.
• Do not call the main hospital telephone number unless you have an emergency. Increased call volume can jam the telephone system.
• The hospital will lock down during a disaster situation. Do not try to enter. The lock-down keeps those inside and outside the hospital safe.
• If possible, seek medical help from other area hospitals or urgent care centers.