Royal Alexandra Hospital emergency department installs a weapons detection system to enhance safety

EDMONTON - The Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) emergency department (ED) is implementing 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. The technology is similar to walk-through screening systems at concert or sports venues.

If the system detects an item of concern on a person’s body or their belongings, RAH 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 not entering the RAH ED.

Patients seeking care who refuse weapons screening or compliance can be connected to Health Link by RAH Protective Services to speak with a nurse regarding the acuity and urgency of their care needs. Health Link nurses can refer patients to a virtual physician, or an on-site healthcare professional should care needs warrant. This consultation will occur while the person remains at the hospital within sight of RAH Protective Services.

Patients who refuse to participate in screening who still require access to emergency care will be assigned RAH 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 safe for pregnant individuals and those with pacemakers or medical implants, and will not affect phones, medical devices or personal data. It is designed to enhance safety while allowing people to move through screening quickly and respectfully.

This new measure follows the one-bag, one-visitor safety initiatives introduced in the RAH ED earlier this month.

Since 2021, patients and visitors entering the RAH ED entrance have been able to voluntarily secure prohibited items after a verbal screening process. This initiative has helped reduce the number of weapons and prohibited items entering the RAH.

The strong partnership between AHS and Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation continues to enhance safety at the site for patients, families, visitors and hospital workers.

Patients or caregivers who have questions can reach out to Patient Relations online or at 1-855-550-2555. Other care options are also available, including Health Link, urgent care centres and family physicians.

Alberta Health Services provides acute care services for more than five million Albertans at hospitals, urgent care centres and health centres across the province. Our mission is to provide excellent and accessible patient-focused healthcare for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, increasing access to surgeries and improving patient flow.