Weapons detection system installed at Royal Alexandra Hospital

Edmonton's Royal Alexandra Hospital has started using a weapons detection system in its emergency department.

A new weapons detection system has been installed in the Royal Alexandra Hospital emergency department following a stabbing last month.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) said in a Tuesday news release it is similar to walk-through screening systems at concerts or sports venues.

AHS said if an “item of concern” is detected, the hospital’s security guards will ask to perform a secondary screening.

Prohibited items can be stored in a locker, or elsewhere, until a patient or visitor is discharged, the news release said.

People who refuse screening can be connected to a Health Link nurse and those who require emergency care, will be monitored by security guards while in the department.

AHS said the system does not use radiation and is safe for pregnant people and those with pacemakers or medical implants.

Earlier this month, the hospital implemented a one bag, one visitor per patient policy in the emergency department.

The policy does not apply to pediatric patients.

AHS said the new safety measures prioritize the safety of patients, staff and visitors to the hospital.

On April 3, a patient was stabbed by another patient in the Royal Alexandra Hospital emergency department.

Edmonton police said a 42-year-old man suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was treated on site.

Officers found three “edged weapons” in a search of the other man involved according to EPS.

The hospital has had a verbal screening process for prohibited items since 2021.