Expanding Security in Our Community Hospitals

As part of our ongoing commitment to enhance safety efforts and maintain a secure environment across our system, we will roll out metal-detecting wanding in several community hospitals. 

We heard you, and in response to your feedback CTCH will be the first community hospital to implement bedside wanding in the Emergency Department (ED), starting Nov. 1. CGCH and CFMH will roll out the same safety measure on Nov. 15 in their EDs. 

What You Should Know

Bedside wanding will be part of the registration process in the EDs at CTCH, CGCH and CFMH. This means that each patient and accompanying visitor(s) who is being checked into the ED will be subject to a brief screening with a handheld metal-detecting wand at the bedside to ensure no dangerous items are brought into our facilities.

This practice is particularly important in EDs where patients may be under stress and unable to communicate their belongings. By using a hand-held metal detector, we can quickly identify and remove any suspicious items, reducing the risk of injury or death to patients or visitors. The process is designed to be quick, respectful and minimally disruptive to the flow of care.

What Patients and Visitors Should Know

• Compared to industries nationwide, healthcare workers are five times more likely to face workplace violence.
• Ensuring the safety and well-being of patients, visitors and employees is our top priority.
• Implementing bedside metal-detecting wanding is another way we’re enhancing our security measures to maintain a safe environment for everyone.
• Firearms, ammunition, blunt objects (e.g., bats), edged weapons (e.g., knives, box cutters, scissors), vapes and explosives, and aerosolized personal protection systems (e.g., mace, pepper spray) are strictly forbidden on hospital property, unless lawfully carried by on-duty law enforcement.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we roll out these enhanced security procedures. Together, we can continue to make our hospitals a safe place for healing and support.

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