Western State Hospital (WSH) is a state psychiatric hospital which is licensed and operated by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. In late 2013, patients and staff moved into the brand new $140 million dollar facility, located in Staunton, Virginia. WSH offers individualized treatment to people with mental illness and substance abuse needs. The original facility was built in 1828 at a location nearby and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. As a state run psychiatric hospital, it required unique security parameters to secure its diverse group of patients, staff and visitors.
Jim Smith, director of physical plant services with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services worked with a team of people to determine which access control system would best fit their complex requirements. Originally, the system was designed around a different access control system. However, when the team reviewed the requirements for proper functionality and custom integrations needed, the original system fell short of meeting the intent. WSH quickly decided to review other manufacturers systems in search of a more suitable product. Facility Dynamics Engineering, the consultant for WSH, suggested AMAG Technology’s Symmetry access control system. Not only did Symmetry Enterprise with M2150 Control Panels provide the vigorous solution they needed for their large, state-of-the-art building, but AMAG’s Custom Solutions department offered the customisation ability to integrate the third party software systems necessary to complete the project.
