Healthcare Security Under Pressure: Why Locks Deserve More Attention

Healthcare estates face some of the toughest design challenges of any sector. Patient safety, infection control, operational continuity, and staff efficiency are all critical; and every decision, from flooring to HVAC systems, is carefully scrutinised. Yet one small but vital component is often overlooked: the lock.

Locks on IPS panels, access panels, and even furniture are rarely the first items discussed in design meetings. When outdated or inappropriate locks are specified however, the consequences can include tampering, hygiene risks, unnecessary maintenance costs, and even compromised safety for patients and staff.

This blog explores why locking solutions are often the overlooked weak point in healthcare environments, and why it’s time for facilities teams and specifiers to reassess their importance.

Where are Locks Found in Healthcare Estates?

Locks are everywhere in modern healthcare settings. Common applications include:

• IPS Panels: Containing essential services such as water, electrics, and medical gases. These are high-risk access points if not properly secured.
• Access Panels: Installed throughout corridors, patient rooms, and treatment areas, providing entry to building services and utilities.
• Furniture: From medication storage to integrated bedroom units, furniture locks prevent unauthorised access to contents.
• Equipment Housings: Cabinets and covers protecting electrical or mechanical systems.

Despite being small and inexpensive compared to the overall project, the lock is often the single point of control that determines whether these systems remain secure, hygienic, and functional.

The Problems with Legacy Lock Designs

Many healthcare estates still rely on legacy locking systems such as pin hex, crown, square head, or tri-head designs. While once considered effective, these older locks have several weaknesses in healthcare settings:

1. Susceptibility to Tampering
   Legacy locks can often be bypassed with widely available tools. This creates an unnecessary security risk in environments where patient safety and equipment reliability are paramount.
2. Hygiene Concerns
   Recessed inserts and ridged surfaces on older locks can harbour dirt and bacteria. In healthcare environments, where infection prevention is a daily priority, this creates additional cleaning challenges.
3. Appearance and Atmosphere
   Locks with protruding faces or industrial appearances can undermine therapeutic design. In areas where patient recovery is supported by calming environments, these details matter.
4. Maintenance and Wear
   Older designs can become stiff, worn, or difficult for staff to operate. This not only causes frustration but also increases the need for maintenance callouts.

In short, legacy locks introduce risks that estates teams can ill afford.

Why Modern Locks Matter More Than Ever

Healthcare environments today demand more from every component. The role of the lock has shifted from “basic closure” to “critical safety feature”.

Modern tamper-resistant locks are designed with healthcare pressures in mind:

• Flat-surfaced designs: Easier to clean and more hygienic than recessed alternatives.
• Tamper-resistant inserts: Require specific alignment or three-point contact, making manipulation far harder.
• Smooth, low-profile finishes: Reduce ligature risks, improve aesthetics, and support therapeutic design.
• Durability: Compression-based systems reduce rattling and wear, extending the lock’s service life.
• Efficiency: Visual indicators make it easy for staff to verify if a panel is locked, saving time on inspections.

By upgrading to modern lock designs, healthcare providers can reduce tampering risks, support hygiene practices, and improve the overall experience for both patients and staff.

Why Locks Get Overlooked

So why are locks often neglected in design and refurbishment projects?

• Cost focus: Locks are relatively inexpensive, and their impact is often underestimated.
• Legacy specifications: Older designs are sometimes repeated without question.
• Perception: Locks are seen as “just hardware” rather than as contributors to safety and hygiene.

However, overlooking locks can undermine investments in other safety measures. If the lock fails, the panel or furniture it secures is compromised regardless of its build quality.

The Case for Reassessment

Healthcare estates and specifiers are increasingly recognising the importance of detail. Just as wall finishes are chosen for cleanability and fixtures are selected for infection control, locks must also be assessed against today’s safety and hygiene standards.

Modern locking solutions are not simply alternatives, they are enablers. They allow facilities to:

• Maintain higher hygiene standards with designs that are easier to clean.
• Reduce risk by using tamper-resistant inserts that are harder to bypass.
• Improve efficiency for staff with faster, clearer operation.
• Extend the lifespan of panels, furniture, and equipment by reducing damage from forced access.

Don't Let Locks be the Weak Point in Your Estate

In healthcare environments, every component has a role to play in patient safety and infection prevention. Locks may be small, but when they fail, the consequences are big.

By moving away from outdated, hard-to-clean designs and choosing tamper-resistant, hygienic alternatives, healthcare estates can reduce risks, cut maintenance costs, and create safer, more efficient environments.

📞 Call us: 01952 890158
📧 Email: sales@contoursecure.co.uk
🌐 Or visit: www.contoursecure.co.uk to request a sample or discuss how locking solutions can strengthen your healthcare environment.