Thanks for Your Feedback: Security Screening Updates and Next Steps

Thank you for your thoughts, concerns and suggestions as we continue to roll out security screening at our public CRMH entrances. Your feedback is helping us to refine this process while we stay focused on our top priority—the safety of everyone on our campus.

Why Screening at Public Entrances is Necessary 

Weapons detection units and visitor badging are now present at CRMH Terrace View garage/lobby, South Main and 4 North entrances. Screening everyone—including all our employees, regardless of your job role—at public entrances is crucial for security, as these areas are the most vulnerable access points to our hospital. Screening all individuals ensures that we are being fair and consistent and aligns with national best practices to prevent dangerous items from entering our facilities. It also demonstrates that safety is everyone’s responsibility and is a direct response to your feedback of recent years.    

What We’ve Heard and How We’re Responding

As this is a significant change, many have voiced concerns about consistency, delays and procedures. You are heard, and here are the latest updates: 

• Random Screening for Staff: To keep operations flowing, employee screening is currently being conducted randomly during the heaviest volume times of 6 – 8 a.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. when lines are longer and people are carrying more bags. These screenings are not based on appearance, role or what someone is carrying. It’s a temporary strategy to maintain security presence while minimizing disruption during peak entry times.
• Bag Search Protocols: Officers have been re-educated on proper bag search procedures. When a search is necessary due to a screening alert, you will be asked to separate metal items yourself. This helps to maintain your privacy and limits unnecessary handling of your personal property. 
• Lunch Bags: You will be asked to walk through scanners with lunch bags in hand. In the event that a lunch box activates weapons detection, contents of the bag will be evaluated. Clear bags will not be searched only visualized.
• Professionalism and Infection Prevention: Officers are being reminded of the importance of professionalism, respect and safety—including changing gloves as appropriate. 
• Entry Flow Improvements: We are actively monitoring the impact of screening on patient care and staff timeliness. Adjustments to staffing, equipment and communication protocols are underway to reduce wait times and streamline entry.
• Upcoming Lobby Access Enhancements: Soon, we'll introduce enhanced security measures and access in the main lobby to further secure the facility after 9 p.m. without hindering your access. This measure will ensure visitors are appropriately screened before entering care areas.
• Increased Security in Garages: We are actively working to increase patrols and visibility in garage areas, particularly during early morning and after-hours periods.
• Pepper Spray: You are now allowed to carry pepper spray (employees only), but only for personal safety coming to and from work. Using pepper spray inside hospital facilities is prohibited. While you are on-site, the pepper spray must be properly secured.

A Shared Commitment to Safety

This process has required adjustments from everyone. Thank you for your patience and cooperation!

Your input has been the driving force behind these changes aimed at making our workplace safer for everyone. And while the journey to a safer environment often requires some inconvenience, the cost of doing nothing is greater. We are committed to continuous improvement, open communication and making sure your concerns are heard and addressed.

Here are some reminders that will help us build a safer, more secure environment—one that protects not only our patients, but the dedicated teams who care for them.

• Wear your Carilion-issued badge. It's part of your required uniform and should be visible at all times, including upon entry to the building.
• Have patience and grace with others. Working together in support of one another, including our security and guest services teams, is important to everyone’s safety and success. This also best represents our Carilion values as employees. Disruptive or evasive behaviors will be escalated through disciplinary processes. 
• Keep work-related tools at the hospital or in a personal locker. Some examples are hemostats and trauma shears. 
• See something, say something. If you observe any suspicious activity or behavior, please notify Carilion Police and Security immediately at 540-981-7911. Your vigilance is a critical part of maintaining a safe environment.

Thank you for your continued professionalism and support!

Watch for more information about our evolving safety measures on Inside Carilion and from your leaders.