Almost two years ago, Windsor Regional Hospital introduced its EVOLV Detector System at its Met and Ouellette Campuses to discourage people from bringing weapons to the hospital.
In that first month, November 2023, the walk-through system detected 515 threats. Last month, the number was 198, a drop of 60 per cent.
Director of Public Affairs and Communications, Government and Community Relations, Steve Erwin, believes people are getting the message that they shouldn't bring weapons to the hospital.
"I think as time has gone on, people who frequent the emergency departments have become aware of the security measures that are in place," said Erwin. "It's inappropriate to bring something that could be harmful to staff."
Most of the weapons seized by security are knives.
Erwin said it was the staff that first raised the concern about weapons in the hospital several years ago.
"I can tell you that it's made a big difference in terms of comfort level for staff in terms of knowing there's an extra layer of security protection for them, and for our patients and guests," said Erwin.
The system is operating at both the Met and Ouellette Campuses, and Erwin said security will not be ignored at the new Fanscy Family Hospital when it opens.
The machines are leased by the hospital for $8,000 a month.
