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- calendar_today October 25, 2026
Misericordia and Grey Nuns Hospitals Enhance Security with Weapons Detection
The Misericordia Community Hospital and the Grey Nuns Community Hospital have recently installed weapons detection systems, joining a growing list of Edmonton health centres taking steps to bolster security in their facilities. The initiative, announced by Covenant Health earlier this week, focuses on increasing safety, particularly in emergency departments where most public incidents tend to occur.
Background on Implementation
Adam Carleton, Covenant Health’s corporate director for protective services, emergency management, and parking, explained that incidents involving security threats have been a concern at acute care centres both locally and nationally. “This is us taking a proactive step to increase safety in our emergency departments. Our emergency departments are typically where we see most of our activity with regards to the public,” Carleton told CBC News.
Recent Developments in Hospital Security
Other prominent Edmonton hospitals, including the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) and University of Alberta Hospital, began using similar weapons detection systems earlier in the year. The RAH introduced weapon screening in May following a stabbing incident at its facility. The move aligns with broader trends in healthcare security across the province and country.
Technology and Procedures in Use
The newly installed systems at Misericordia Community Hospital and Grey Nuns Community Hospital were procured from Evolv Technology. These walkthrough weapon-screening setups are similar to those seen at concert halls or sports venues, aiming to make hospital environments safer for both staff and patients. The process is voluntary, but those requiring emergency care who refuse screening will be escorted by Covenant Health protective services while they remain in the department.
Protecting Staff and Patients
Hospital staff safety remains under close observation. According to a survey from the United Nurses of Alberta in 2022, about 40% of nurses in the province reported experiencing physical violence. The security measures are designed as preventive steps for both nurse safety and overall violence prevention within healthcare settings.
Details on Patient Screening and Bag Policy
Patients who do not wish to go through weapon screening but need to access emergency care can have their needs triaged through the province’s 811 health service. Any belongings not permitted inside the hospital can be stored in a provided lockup or secured in personal vehicles. Additionally, Covenant Health announced it will be instituting a single bag policy for patients and staff in emergency departments, with further details on implementation to come.
Ongoing Developments
CBC News has contacted Acute Care Alberta seeking additional information about weapons detection programs within the province’s hospitals. Covenant Health has indicated that more measures and details on emergency department security practices will be communicated in the near future.
Source: cbc.ca.
