French hospital manages employee and contractor access with eCLIQ

Challenge

Marin de Hendaye Hospital in the French Basque country faced common challenges posed by mechanical access control. With mechanical lock-and-key technology it was impossible for security managers to know who had been accessing treatment rooms, medicine stores and other sensitive areas. Additionally, keys and passes remained in circulation beyond the keyholder’s approved use — or former employees failed to return theirs. This was another source of insecurity.

The hospital needed a new access system. Important requirements included:

• A flexible solution which could secure interior and exterior hospital doors and other openings
• The ability to trace staff and external contractor movements into and between sensitive areas
• A wireless solution which could offer easy installation without the expense of dedicated cabling
• More convenience and comfort for employees who previously had to carry large key bunches

Solution

The hospital chose an eCLIQ system based on programmable electronic keys and wireless cylinders. Since 2016, their security team has gradually rolled out eCLIQ electronic access control to all care and logistics buildings, including drug stores, labs and other sensitive or confidential areas.

“The choice of this solution is based on reliability and simplicity of implementation for a site that covers 11 hectares,” explains Yves Bourdon, Security Director, Marin Hospital of Hendaye. “It is the only solution that can equip more than 1,500 doors with quick and wireless installation.”

An eCLIQ solution gives managers control over important aspects of hospital security. They can issue access tailored to an individual’s needs and level of authority — and amend it whenever required. External service providers use a programmable eCLIQ key which automatically expires after a pre-defined period. This is much more secure than relying on a contractor to return their mechanical key every time. Employees enjoy the convenience: Carrying a single eCLIQ key programmed with their own permissions makes bulky key bunches a distant memory.

The rollout is ongoing, with another 500 eCLIQ cylinders already ordered and ready to install.