Abloy UK has expanded its innovative Aperio range with the new KL100 Wireless Cabinet Lock, which it says ‘provides traceable, flexible, and secure digital access for the safekeeping of items in healthcare settings’.
The security specialist said: “The user-friendly system is convenient for storing medication in hospitals, and a secure way for patients to store possessions without the need of physical keys.” In one NHS Trust alone, Abloy UK says, it was revealed that more than £273,000 was paid to patients and their families as compensation for lost possessions over a five-year period.
Shaun Powell, General Sales manager – Healthcare/OEM Industrial, explained: “Certain areas within healthcare settings, such as storage of bedside medication, require convenient yet secure on-demand access for staff and patients. However, physical keys may not be the most convenient solution for the safekeeping of other products, assets, and patient possessions. Locking draws, lockers, and bedside cabinets doesn’t need to be a pain, and by embracing more adaptive, advanced technologies, such as the KL100, healthcare providers can enhance security, and improve convenience for patients.”
The Aperio KL100 offers a comprehensive audit trail to identify who unlocked a cabinet and when. Staff carry their own programmable credential, meaning no wasted time waiting for the keyholder to medicine cabinets. This reduces the risk of lost keys, and credentials can be swiftly and easily revoked if required.
Abloy UK explained: “There are a variety of uses for this keyless lock, such as on bedside lockers in hospitals and POD lockers – which patients can store their own medication, and storage within portable EPMA dispensing carts used by staff. It can be an effective way for patients to keep personal belongings and medication safe without the use of a key. Once they are discharged, the card or wristband be discarded, and a new card programmed to the system.”
The KL100 is part of the Aperio wireless lock range, which can be fitted by various OEM medical furniture manufacturers to give an audit trail on new cupboards and cabinets. The lock can ‘seamlessly integrate’ with an existing EAC system – meaning there is one single database to manage, while cable-free installation means minimum footprint on furniture, and the ability to fit to wooden and metal doors. The ‘smart solution’ also reads ‘industry-leading’ RFID and mobile credentials.