Baystate Health Adds Weapons Detection Screening at Emergency Department Entrances

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — At Baystate Health, the well-being and safety of patients, visitors and team members is a priority. As part of its ongoing commitment to maintaining safe and healing environments, Baystate Health is adding an advanced weapons detection system at select hospital entrances.

The new technology provides another layer of security while allowing patients and visitors to enter facilities quickly and easily. The systems use advanced detection technology to identify weapons and other prohibited items, while Baystate’s Public Safety Team is available to respond to any concerns identified during the screening process.

What Patients and Visitors Can Expect

The screening process is designed to be quick, easy and seamless. There is no physical contact, and people will not need to empty their pockets or remove their shoes. Visitors simply walk through the detection unit when entering the hospital. Some larger bags may require additional screening.

The technology is safe for everyone to pass through, including:

• Pregnant individuals
• Children
• People with pacemakers and other implanted medical devices
• People using mobility devices
• Service animals

Patients experiencing a medical emergency will not be delayed from receiving care and will undergo an alternative screening process.

Baystate’s Public Safety Team will be stationed at screening checkpoints to assist visitors and answer questions or address concerns. A manual screening alternative will also be available for anyone who has concerns about walking through the detection system.

To help keep the screening process efficient, patients and visitors are reminded to leave prohibited items at home. These include firearms, pepper spray, mace, knives and electronic smoking devices.

The first phase of Baystate Health’s Weapons Detection Program begins in September with the installation of screening systems in the Emergency Departments at Baystate’s hospitals through the fall. Additional phases will expand screening to other areas, including Behavioral Health Units and hospital main entrances.

As a pillar of health care in Western Massachusetts, Baystate Health is dedicated to delivering compassionate, quality and accessible care — advancing our communities’ health for all. Adding this technology is one of many ways Baystate continues to invest in the safety of its hospitals and the people it serves.

For more information about Baystate Health’s security and screening process, visit BaystateHealth.org/visitors.