Misericordia and Grey Nuns Community Hospitals install weapons detection systems to enhance safety

Edmonton – The Misericordia and Grey Nuns Community Hospitals have implemented a weapons detection system to enhance safety for hospital workers, patients and families.

All patients and visitors will be asked to go through the weapons detection system prior to entering the emergency department. This is the same technology installed at the Royal Alexandra and University of Alberta Hospitals, and it works like the walk-through screening systems at concerts or sports venues.

If the system detects an item of concern, Protective Services will ask to perform a secondary screening. Patients and visitors will be able to voluntarily secure prohibited items in a locker until they leave or are discharged. Alternatively, individuals can secure these items in their car or with a family member or friend who is not entering the emergency department.

Patients who refuse to participate in screening and still require access to emergency care will be assigned Covenant Health Protective Services oversight while in the department.

Visitors or designated family/support persons will also be required to go through the weapons detection system. Visitors who refuse screening will not be permitted access to the ED unless the patient requiring emergency care is a minor, the patient requires communication support from the designated family/support person, or the care team determines the designated family/support person needs to be present.

This technology does not use harmful radiation. It is designed to enhance safety while enabling people to move through screening quickly and respectfully.

Covenant Health is also committed to moving to a single bag policy for patients and staff in the Emergency Department. More information will be shared when that is implemented.

Reducing the number of bags in the ED will help staff and physicians maintain a safe work environment by keeping aisles clear of tripping hazards, and ensuring chair and table space is available for patients and their support people.

For more information, please contact:

Quinn Phillips

Senior Advisor, Media Relations & Public Engagement

Covenant

c: 780-235-4692 e: quinn.phillips@covenanthealth.ca