Paediatric Security & Child Absconding Prevention System

The Paediatric Security & Child Absconding Prevention System from Xtag Medical is a specialist safeguarding solution designed for UK hospitals and paediatric units. It helps prevent the unauthorised movement or absconding of children and young people, ensuring safety across paediatric wards, children’s hospitals, and mixed-care environments.

Each child is fitted with a lightweight, tamper-proof tag. The tag communicates continuously with RF readers positioned at key exit points. If a tag is cut, removed, or passes through an unauthorised exit, the system responds instantly, triggering local alarms and flashing light strobes. Staff are instantly notified via the PC client allowing immediate and coordinated response.

The system also prevents paediatric patients from leaving the ward by intelligently monitoring exit points. If a child lingers near a secured doorway, the system automatically locks the exit until they move a safe distance away, then reopens once the area is clear.

The system integrates seamlessly with existing hospital infrastructure, including access control and CCTV, creating a unified safety network. Its configurable logic allows different responses based on location, time of day, or patient profile - for example, silent alerts for high-sensitivity wards or full lockdown for critical areas.

Beyond the immediate security benefits, the platform provides real-time visibility and incident traceability. A live dashboard shows all active tags, patient movements, and door status, while event logs enable retrospective review for CQC and internal safety audits. The system can also generate automatic reports to identify trends - helping Trusts improve operational safety.

For clinical teams, this technology reduces manual supervision burden and provides peace of mind that children are protected without impeding their independence. For estates and security managers, it ensures compliance with NHS safeguarding standards while maintaining efficient, interoperable site security. And for families, it delivers visible reassurance that every possible measure is in place to keep their children safe.

Alarms and Alerts

Our Paediatric Absconding Prevention solution is a a Real-Time Locating System (RTLS) which prevents paediatric patients from leaving their ward. The system has 5 primary alarm and alert functions:

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Key system advantages include:

• Proactive protection - early detection prevents incidents before they occur.
• Customisable alerts - tailored to each ward’s workflow and patient risk level.
• Low-maintenance design - long-life batteries and simple re-arming procedures.
• Discreet operation - small form factor and minimal noise to preserve a calm ward environment.
• Scalable architecture - easily expanded to additional wards or buildings as needs evolve.
• Data-driven insight - trend and alarm analysis to support continuous improvement.

By combining proven Active UHF technology with NHS-specific workflows, Xtag Medical’s system transforms how hospitals approach paediatric safeguarding - moving from reactive response to intelligent, proactive protection.