A two-minute delay has been programmed into each panel which means that if a call point is activated accidentally, the alarm can be investigated before the panel goes into full alarm. This investigation period is essential in a medical environment particularly during surgery times when a false alarm can cost thousands of pounds.

Owned by emergency care provider, Vets Now, the hospital boasts five emergency/critical care practitioners and six referral vets specializing in orthopaedic surgery, soft tissue surgery, oncology and internal medicine. The premises contain a cat and dog ward, five consultation rooms, a dedicated emergency room and an open-plan treatment area.

Said Jim King of King Communications and Security Ltd, the specialist installation company that completed the project: "C-Tec's XFP is ideal for this type of installation as the panel is powerful yet very easy-to-install. The two-minute delay is essential to avoid costly false alarms which could result in the unnecessary full-scale evacuation of the hospital and increase the likelihood of a true fire alarm being ignored"

One of C-Tec's NC951 disabled persons' toilet alarm has also been installed to provide the hospital's disabled washroom with alarm facilities to alert staff in the event of an emergency. An IP CCTV/ Intruder alarm system is also in operation at the site.

Based in Glasgow, King Communications and Security Ltd has specialised in the design and installation of systems in the fire, security, telecommunications and nursing/healthcare industries for over 25 years.