Three more metal detectors installed in Sask. health-care facilities

Two detectors will be available when entering each of the Prince Albert and North Battleford facilities.

Items that are barred from entering health-care facilities in Saskatchewan include duffle bags, luggage or food coolers, and weapons of any kind, including knives and other sharp objects, stun-guns, ammunition, explosives, flammables, bear spray, mace or aerosols. Spiritual or religious items are not restricted unless they pose a clear and immediate risk to the safety of patients, staff, or visitors.

In addition, people who are entering a facility and are found to be carrying a restricted item will be asked by protective services officers to remove the item from the building or secure it in a designated locker before entering.

“Illegal items cannot be stored. Those who have stored items will received a claim ticket to present upon exit to retrieve the items from the locker.”

Metal items like belts, keys, and cell phones will need to be placed in a bin before passing through. An officer will also screen the contents of the bin and any bags they have with them, and a hand-operated wand scanner may also be used to confirm that no prohibited items are entering the facility.

The SHA added, “Those with pacemakers or other implanted medical devices will not go through the metal detector; instead, they shall be subject to hand-operated wand screening only.”

If there is an emergency, people are asked to inform the protective services officers present immediately. One officer will be dedicated to allowing quicker access to the building and will accommodate those needing immediate or emergency medical services.

Staff, contractors and police or corrections personnel will need to keep a valid ID on them to avoid the screening process.

“To support implementation and operation of the detectors, the SHA is adding the equivalent of 51 full-time Protective Services positions across the province to provide 24/7 staffing and ensure consistent operations and screening at the sites where the technology is being deployed.”

Last month, the Saskatchewan Government launched an independent third-party review into hospital security following concerns of growing violence.

Speaking to reporters in Saskatoon, Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said he and his people are listening to residents

“Everyone who walks through the doors of a Saskatchewan health-care facility deserves to feel safe. Every staff member deserves a safe work environment.”

The province is also seeking proposals from contractors to provide security in health facilities in La Loche, Shellbrook, Swift Current, Moose Jaw, Weyburn and other smaller communities.

-with files from The Canadian Press

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

by paNOW Staff

Three more metal detectors installed in Sask. health-care facilities

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