London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) has begun implementing AI-powered weapons detection systems in its emergency departments. University Hospital went live with the technology last week, and Victoria Hospital is slated to follow suit on May 6th. Leased through Convergint Canada, the system employs AI and sensors to identify potential weapons without requiring individuals to stop or remove personal items. Security personnel are alerted upon detection of a possible threat, enabling them to assess the situation. The system does not use facial recognition, ensuring privacy.
Similar systems have demonstrated effectiveness in other Ontario hospitals. Windsor Regional Hospital has identified over 4,700 prohibited items since November 2023. LHSC aims to create a safer environment for patients and staff, with ongoing assessments and feedback to optimise the system's performance. The implementation aligns with a growing trend of hospitals adopting advanced security measures to address escalating violence and ensure the safety of healthcare environments. Other hospitals are also installing similar systems, with some predicting that weapons screening will become standard in hospitals.
