GREENFIELD — In an effort to increase security for patients, visitors and staff, Baystate Health has installed AI-assisted weapons detection systems at Emergency Room entrances.
In a statement, Baystate Health spokesperson Heather Duggan explained that the next step will be installing the weapons detection systems across behavioral health units and main entrances throughout the rest of the fall. The screening process, described as “quick, easy and seamless,” does not require that people remove their shoes or empty their pockets, just walk through the detection units when entering.
“The new technology provides another layer of security while allowing patients and visitors to enter facilities quickly and easily,” Duggan wrote. “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.”
The hospital system advises that some larger bags may require additional screening. There is no physical contact involved.
Baystate Health is using the Apollo 500 detection units from Athena Security. According to Athena Security, the system uses traditional metal detection hardware, along with optical sensors and cameras, to measure metal masses through magnetic fields and detect specific shapes. This allows people with pacemakers, wheelchairs or even phones in their pockets to go through without triggering the alarm, while also catching prohibited objects.
The weapons detection unit will be able to detect prohibited items such as guns, knives, blunt weapons, pepper spray, mace, stun guns and explosives, as well as items the hospital labels as potentially dangerous, such as screwdrivers and hammers. Electronic smoking devices and vapes are also not allowed.
Duggan said patients experiencing a medical emergency will not have their care delayed to go through the system and will undergo alternative screening processes. Manual screening alternatives are also available to those with concerns about the detection units.
Earlier this year, a report from the Massachusetts Nurses Association found that one in four nurses in the state report not feeling safe at work. The association’s “State of Nursing in Massachusetts” survey found that the number of nurses who reported experiencing at least one form of workplace violence over the past two years has increased, while the number of nurses saying workplace violence is a serious issue has more than doubled since just before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Local nurses shared that not all of the weapons brought to the hospital are intended for violence, particularly in rural areas such as Franklin County. Farmers at times forget knives and other tools are in their pockets when arriving at the hospital.
The association’s report found that “a staggering 69% of RNs report experiencing at least one incident of workplace violence or abuse in the past two years, and a quarter of those affected report six or more incidents — a pattern of high-frequency exposure concentrated heavily among hospital-based nurses.”
Baystate Health’s code of conduct states it does not tolerate aggressive, abusive or violent language and behavior, including swearing and slurs; possession of weapons, alcohol, marijuana and illegal drugs; or the disruption of patients’ care.
In a statement, Duggan said that “at Baystate Health, the well-being and safety of patients, visitors and team members is a priority,” and the installation of the new Apollo 500 units will allow the hospital to meet its commitment to ensure safety.
“As a pillar of healthcare in western Massachusetts, Baystate Health is dedicated to delivering compassionate, quality and accessible care — advancing our communities’ health for all,” Duggan wrote. “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’s visiting policies, visit baystatehealth.org/patients-and-visitors/visiting-hours-and-policies.
