The Saskatchewan Health Authority has significantly expanded its security protocols by installing metal detectors at three additional healthcare facilities across the province. This move comes as part of ongoing efforts to enhance safety in medical environments following concerning incidents involving weapons.
New Installations Take Effect
According to an official announcement from the Saskatchewan Health Authority, metal detectors will become operational as of Monday at the main entrances of Battleford Union Hospital, Prince Albert Hospital, and the Regina Urgent Care Centre. These installations bring the total number of healthcare facilities with metal detectors in Saskatchewan to eight.
Existing Security Infrastructure
The province already had metal detectors in place at several emergency room entrances prior to this expansion. These include Saskatoon's St. Paul's Hospital, City Hospital, and Royal University Hospital, along with Regina's General Hospital and Pasqua Hospital. The new installations represent a strategic expansion of these security measures to additional critical healthcare locations.
Enhanced Screening Procedures
The Saskatchewan Health Authority has outlined specific screening procedures that will be implemented alongside the metal detectors. Protective services officers will be stationed at entrances to ask all members of the public to declare if they are carrying any restricted items.
Restricted items include:
- Duffel bags, luggage, or food coolers
- Weapons of any kind
- Bear spray
- Mace or aerosols
The authority has clarified that spiritual or religious items are generally not restricted unless they pose a clear and immediate risk to the safety of patients, staff, or visitors.
Response Protocol for Restricted Items
If a restricted item is either declared by an individual or detected through screening, protective service officers will provide the person with two options. They can either remove the item from the facility entirely or secure it in a designated locker before being permitted to enter the healthcare facility.
Government Review and Ministerial Response
In late January, Saskatchewan Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill announced an independent, third-party review of hospital safety and security at the request of the Saskatchewan Health Authority. This review specifically includes the installation of metal detectors at emergency rooms as part of comprehensive security enhancements.
Minister Cockrill expressed serious concern about weapons being brought into hospitals, describing such situations as "disturbing." He stated emphatically, "I can't think of a situation where bringing a weapon into a health care facility is going to improve his experience."
The health ministry is currently seeking a qualified expert capable of undertaking this comprehensive review as soon as possible, though no specific timeline has been established for completion of the assessment.
Operational Considerations
At the Prince Albert and North Battleford hospitals, two detectors will be available at entrances. This dual-detector approach includes one unit that allows for quicker access to accommodate those requiring immediate medical attention, balancing security needs with emergency care requirements.
The expansion of metal detectors represents a significant step in the Saskatchewan Health Authority's ongoing commitment to creating safer environments for patients, healthcare workers, and visitors across the province's medical facilities.
