Metal detector to be installed at Halifax ER after stabbing last month

The Halifax QEII Emergency Department now has a metal detector at the entrance.

A metal detector will be installed in the emergency room at the Halifax Infirmary this week after four people were allegedly attacked by a patient there last month.

Starting Friday, anyone entering the ER through the main entrance on Bell Road will have to enter through the metal detector and may be searched, according to a news release from Nova Scotia Health.

Any weapons, or anything that could be used as a weapon, will be confiscated. Some confiscated items will be secured on site and returned to the patient upon discharge. All firearms and illegal weapons will be handed over to police.

“Anyone arriving at the emergency department should anticipate potential delays as these new measures are implemented,” said Nova Scotia Health in the statement.

“We ask citizens to treat their visit in the same manner they would going though security at an airport. Please don’t bring dangerous items into the hospital. Entry will be quicker if everyone cooperates.”

The health authority says security staff will use their discretion if someone arriving at the ER needs urgent care right away.

Nova Scotia Health previously said it has increased its spending on security. The health authority has budgeted $20 million for security this year – $8 million more than last year.

New measure comes after ER stabbing

The new security measure comes after two people were stabbed and two others were injured in the ER on Jan. 29.

Halifax Regional Police responded to the hospital around 1 p.m. that day after receiving a report of a man with a knife. Police said the man, who was receiving care at the hospital, stabbed two people in the ER and injured two others by throwing objects at them.

Police said one of the victims sustained “significant” injuries.

Nicholas Robert Coulombe, 32, of Halifax has been charged with the following offences:

-attempted murder

-three counts of assault with a weapon

-three counts of aggravated assault

-two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

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