Carle Health Expands Commitment to Best Care Environment with New Weapon Detection System at CHMH

Carle Health is committed to enhancing safety and emergency preparedness for patients, visitors, team members and everyone who relies on Carle Health for their care. One way Carle Health is improving security is by installing a weapons detection system at the entrance to the emergency department at Carle Health Methodist Hospital.

“Creating the safest environment possible for giving and receiving care continues to be our priority,” said Keith McGlen, CPP, CHPA, Carle Health vice president of security and emergency management. “Facing unprecedented levels of violence in health care settings across the country, health systems of all sizes are considering ways to strengthen safety. »

This system will help the Methodist Safety Team support patients' experience of care, team members' focus on providing care, and visitors' ability to care for their loved ones. This is the same security system used at the emergency entrance at Carle Foundation Hospital (CFH) in Urbana.

“The safety and security of our patients, their families and our staff is our top priority,” said Rick Nichols, manager of safety and customer relations for Carle Health Greater Peoria. “Installing this system at Methodist Emergency Department continues our commitment to providing the safest and best care environment for the communities we serve.” »

Installation began June 3, and beginning June 10, the system will operate 24/7 to support the gun-free campus policy. Signage at the entrance to the ED will alert people that the weapons detection system is in use.

“Our security team is trained to use the system and protocols to follow if they detect a weapon,” said Allan Adams, Carle Health Greater Peoria security supervisor. “A system like this will significantly improve our hospital’s operations and highlight our ability to provide a seamless experience for our patients, visitors and team members.”

Patients, visitors and team members will pass through two sensors when entering the emergency department. The sensors will detect shapes including those of guns, knives and other weapons. Unless the system detects a suspicious weapon, people will immediately and freely enter the hospital. When the system detects a possible weapon, Carle Health Security will escort the person possessing the suspect weapon to an adjacent secondary screening area. Carle Health Security will use training and safety protocols to ensure the safety of others until it is determined if a weapon is present. Security team members will use a handheld detector to confirm if the person has a weapon. If so, they must return it to their vehicle. For patients entering the hospital through the ambulance entrance or under police guard, security has protocols in place to ensure no weapons are brought into the hospital.

At Carle Health, the trust community members place in their care team is essential to providing high-quality health care. We continue to work to create the safest experience possible for team members and those we serve and bring the latest innovations to the Greater Peoria community.

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