The safety and security of our faculty, staff, patients and visitors is a top priority at UF Health. As we continue to assess our safety and security procedures across the organization, we wanted to keep you all apprised of new developments and future initiatives.

External Review Underway

In our last update from July, we mentioned that we would engage an external consulting firm to conduct an in-depth review of our security protocols, deployment and how we engage with local law enforcement, among other components of our security measures.

We’re happy to report that we have executed a contract with a consultant — Orlando-based Strategic Security Management Consulting Inc. — who is now in the process of performing a safety and security assessment for our UF Health Shands and UF Health Physicians facilities.

This week, the consultant is meeting with our security team to understand their practices and protocols, engaging in listening sessions as well as touring our main facilities to understand our infrastructure. In the coming weeks, the consultant will visit multiple off-site locations and physician practices, and will continue meeting with teams of stakeholders.

The consultant will also be gathering valuable information via a number of focus groups. More details will be shared in a future update.

Important Safety and Security Survey

Not everyone will have a chance to meet with the consultant but we want to ensure everyone has a chance to provide feedback in this process. To that end, we are conducting a brief survey for faculty and staff, which you can also access via the Bridge. We encourage everyone to participate in this important component of our security assessment. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey as your input is valuable to improving and enhancing safety and security at our facilities.

Infographic: Safety and Security Information and Resources

Additionally, please find below this message an infographic produced by UF Health Shands Safety and Security that provides valuable information about the systems currently in place and resources available to the UF Health community.

Reminder: Contacting Security and Law Enforcement

Finally, below is a quick reminder on when and how to contact UF Health Shands Security or law enforcement. In the event you are faced with a situation that is escalating, please contact UF Health Shands Security or law enforcement for assistance as their officers are trained in de-escalation techniques.

• Law enforcement coverage for our health system in Gainesville includes the University of Florida Police Department for main campus buildings north of Archer Road, the Gainesville Police Department for main campus property south of Archer Road and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office for off-site locations not within the city limits.
• For locations with UF Health Shands Security on-site, staff should contact Security first. Security will respond and/or contact appropriate law enforcement:
  • UF Health Shands Security (General): 352-265-0109
  • UF Health Shands Security (Emergency Security Situation): 352-265-0911
• For locations without assigned UF Health Shands Security: Call 911

We will continue to provide timely updates regarding our safety and security initiatives and protocols.

Thank you for all you do!

Traci d’Auguste, MBA, MSHA
COO, UF Health Shands

C. Parker Gibbs, MD
Chief Medical Officer, UF Health Shands

Marvin Dewar, MD, JD
CEO, UF Health Physicians