December 9, 2024

Physical security systems to be implemented at The Vanderbilt Clinic and Preston Research Building main entrances

As with all secure entrances at VUMC, employees will continue to be required to display their VUMC ID badges to enter.

(photo by Erin O. Smith)

As part of the ongoing effort to enhance employee and visitor safety across all Vanderbilt University Medical Center facilities, on the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 11, physical security systems will be implemented at the entrances of The Vanderbilt Clinic’s (TVC) first floor valet lobby and second-floor skybridge entrances, along with the main lobby entrance to the Preston Research Building (PRB) at Pierce Avenue.

For many patients and visitors, PRB’s main lobby is also the facility entrance they associate with Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center’s ambulatory clinics.

As with all secure entrances at VUMC, employees will continue to be required to display their VUMC ID badges to enter.

“We are continuing the implementation our physical security plan with the addition of these facility entrances and appreciate the support of our employees and visitors as we advance these efforts,” said Chad Fitzgerald, JD, Executive Vice President for the Shared Clinical Services Division.    

Physical security system installations are part of a phased plan to complement current policies and procedures, and other actions, which work together to create and maintain a safer environment for all patients, families, learners, visitors and employees. 

Current VUMC policy prohibits firearms on campus. Anyone found to have a weapon during screening will be asked to remove the weapon from the premises before being allowed to enter a building.

Since March, VUMC has implemented increased physical security measures at Medical Center North, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, the Medical Arts Building, Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital and the Vanderbilt Eye Institute. As part of the overall physical security plan, enhanced security measures will be implemented at additional facilities soon.