The Manitoba government has permanently installed artificial intelligence-powered weapon scanners at the emergency departments of Health Sciences Centre (HSC) Winnipeg in response to safety concerns raised by front-line health-care workers.
The decision follows a successful pilot project that saw the scanners reduce congestion and improve workplace safety, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced.
“Over the last several years, safety has been a growing concern for patients and the front lines alike,” said Asagwara. “Permanently installing weapons scanners at HSC is one of many steps we are taking to increase safety at health-care facilities throughout the province.”
The scanners are now in place at the adult and children’s emergency departments, as well as the Mental Health Crisis Response Centre. Staff who worked through the trial period reported feeling safer, according to surveys conducted by the province.
“When we trialed the weapon detectors in the summer, I actually felt safe at work,” said Joanne Paterson, a clinical resource nurse at HSC. “With the new equipment and two security guards sitting at the front door, we didn’t have to worry about people bringing weapons or sharp objects into our workplace.”
The province has also increased security staffing at HSC and other facilities, funding 126 institutional safety officer positions, with 96 already trained and on duty.
