“Creating the safest environment possible to give and receive care continues to be our priority,” Keith McGlen, CPP, CHPA, Carle Health vice president of Security and Emergency Management said. “With unprecedented levels of violence in healthcare settings across the country, health systems of every size are considering ways to reinforce safety.”
This system will aid the Methodist Security team in supporting patients’ experience receiving care, team members’ focus on providing care and visitors’ ability to care for their loved ones. It is the same security system utilized at the ED entrance of Carle Foundation Hospital (CFH) in Urbana.
“The safety and security of our patients, their families and our staff is our top priority,” Rick Nichols, Carle Health Greater Peoria Manager of Security and Guest Relations, said. “Installing this system at the Methodist ED extends our commitment to providing the safest and best care environment for the communities we serve.”
Installation began June 3 and starting June 10, the system will operate 24/7 in support of the weapons-free campus policy. Signage at the ED entrance will alert people that the weapons detection system is in use.
“Our security team is trained to use the system and protocols to follow if it detects a weapon,” Allan Adams, Carle Health Greater Peoria Security Supervisor, said. “A system like this will greatly enhance our hospital operations and highlight our ability to provide a smooth experience for our patients, visitors and team members.”
Patients, visitors and team members will pass through two sensors when entering the Emergency Department. The sensors will detect shapes, including those of guns, knives and other weapons. Unless the system detects a suspected weapon, people will come into the hospital without delay in a free-flowing manner. When the system detects a possible weapon, Carle Health Security will escort the person with the suspected weapon to an adjacent secondary screening area. Carle Health Security will use training and safety protocols to ensure the safety of others until it’s determined if a weapon is present. Security team members will use a hand-held detector to confirm whether the person has a weapon. If so, they must return it to their vehicle. For patients entering the hospital at the ambulance entrance or in the custody of police, Security has protocols in place to ensure that weapons are not brought into the hospital.
At Carle Health, the trust community members place in their care team is vital to delivering high-quality healthcare. We continue to work to build the safest experience possible for team members and those we serve and bring the latest innovations to the Greater Peoria community.
Categories: Culture of Quality
Tags: carle, detection, health, hospital, methodist, patient, safety, weapons