TREND WATCH

A roundup of business developments spotted by other publications.

Hospital Security: The same technology that prevents shoplifting is being applied to hospitals and similar wards. Sensormatic and Security Tag Systems, both based in Florida, sell hospital equipment that keeps track of patients by their bracelets. If one of the bracelets goes out of its designated ward, an alarm sounds. The security is intended to prevent theft of infants and to protect patients with severe memory loss or disorientation. Some hospitals find the systems cost-effective in terms of decreased insurance liability. Palm Beach Post

Leisure Wear: A survey of garment wholesalers and screen printers finds that demand for fleecewear--the trade term for cotton-blend sweat shirts--continues to grow, especially for items decorated with university and sports team logos. The survey found that fleece manufacturers such as Tultex Corp. of Virginia and Russell Corp. of Alabama are introducing higher cotton content lines of sweats that will build the market for new fabrications. Discount Store News