So London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) is prepared to deploy a new weapons detection system. This pilot project will improve safety for front line workers in the ERs at Victoria Hospital, Children’s Hospital and University Hospital. This initiative reflects a growing trend among health-care organizations to adopt innovative security measures that prioritize both safety and accessibility.
The move to adopt the system follows successful use of it at Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH) since last November 2023. During that time WRH screened more than 4,700 items, from knives to not-so-obvious threats. This incredible accomplishment happened while over 610,000 visitors walked under the detectors. Given the success of the system at WRH, LHSC has decided to undertake similar measures across its own facilities.
It might surprise readers to learn that WRH has already achieved quite extraordinary operational improvements. Staff vacancy rates have dropped dramatically from 30 percent to a record low 2.7 percent. Additionally, the average number of items detected daily decreased from approximately 17 to about six, demonstrating the effectiveness of the weapons detection system in creating a safer environment.
In particular, the average number of knives detected per day at WRH decreased from about nine knives a day to four. These misleading statistics indicate that the system makes the nation safer. It further supports a more reliable workforce, with employees less apprehensive about their work conditions.
The new weapons detection system is leased through Convergint Canada. LHSC was able to secure the lease in January. The technology will go live at University Hospital on April 15 and Victoria Hospital on May 6. LHSC is focused on re-evaluating the system’s performance as we go.
Feedback from patients, staff, and visitors will play a crucial role in evaluating how well the system meets the needs of the hospital community.
As David Musyj, President and CEO of LHSC put it, “It’s all about helping people have the best experience possible.
“Our intention is to create an environment where patients feel safe while receiving the care they need and our team members feel secure while delivering it,” – David Musyj
Musyj emphasized why it’s important for Emergency Departments to be the vital and welcoming points of entry for all patients and families looking for care.
“When we create a safer entry point, it benefits everyone, including our team members,” – David Musyj
He further commented on the effect increased public awareness about the detectors has had,
“Clearly ‘word of mouth’ has occurred regarding these detectors and people now know not to bring these items into the Emergency Department,” – David Musyj
Here’s how LHSC began readying itself to adopt this highly sophisticated, proactive security technology. These days its mission is to provide the best, safest patient care, and to rebuild community confidence in local healthcare. The new weapons detection system has increased safety in healthcare environments. It bolsters national advocacy for the continued protection of patients and staff during emergencies.
“Hospital security is an evolving field, with health-care organizations across North America exploring innovative ways to maintain both safety and accessibility,” – David Musyj
As LHSC prepares to implement this advanced security measure, it aims to foster a safe atmosphere conducive to patient care and enhance overall community trust in its healthcare services. The addition of the weapons detection system aligns with broader efforts within the healthcare sector to ensure safety for both patients and staff in emergency situations.
