Health care system installs metal detectors at emergency departments | Local News

“Installing walk-through metal detectors is a very important part of our approach to preventing workplace violence incidents. It’s just another step in preventing ,” he said.

Walk-through metal detectors are already installed in the emergency departments of Winston-Salem’s Baptist Medical Center, Davie Medical Center and Wilkes Medical Center.

Construction is underway at Winston-Salem’s Lexington Medical Center, High Point Medical Center and Brenner Children’s Hospital.

Wake Forest Baptist Security Director Kevin Leonard said metal detectors were well received and patients and visitors moved quickly through testing areas to minimize delays. rice field.

“Our registration and metal screening processes are part of an overall strategy to create a safer environment by limiting opportunities for bad events,” he said. “Metal detectors cannot prevent all forms of violence, but they can greatly minimize the chances of violent incidents involving weapons.”

A pardon box has also been set up outside the entrance for patients and visitors to voluntarily discard prohibited items such as firearms and knives before entering the emergency department.

Weapons, defined as objects used to intimidate, inflict bodily harm or kill, including firearms, knives and blades, brass knuckles, mace and pepper spray, are permitted at all Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist facilities. is prohibited in

Only law enforcement officers authorized to enforce federal, state, city, or county laws are permitted to carry weapons on hospital premises.