HSC to implement AI weapon detection system

In light of numerous violent incidents over the past year, including the stabbing of a security guard in February. Winnipeg’s largest hospital is set to become just the second health care institution in the country to implement a new AI weapon detection system, aimed at creating a safer environment for both staff and patients a like.

“Very long bladed weapons, even machetes so we do know they have come in and that is what we are trying to address with this technology,” explained Dr. Shawn Young, chief operating officer at HSC.

Detectors will be placed at both the emergency department and the crisis response centre as part of a new pilot program scheduled to run for several weeks.

Chief operating officer, Dr. Young is optimistic these machines can be more beneficial than the classic metal detector.

The Windsor Regional Hospital has had AI detectors at its doors for almost a year, detecting more than 1,800 knives and edged weapons through-out the program.  And have been advising HSC staff on their experience with the devices.

“They have detected a lot of edged weapons coming into the facility over the years and the staff and patients have greatly appreciated that enhanced bit of security they now have,” said Dr. Young.

For Darlene Jackson, the president of the Manitoba Nurses Union, who’s members voted yes to a new collective agreement with shared health on Monday, says while the adoption of the AI detectors is an important next step, there is still a long road ahead.

“I think its positive, but it’s just one small part in addressing the safety issues at HSC and surround areas,” said Jackson.

“We still need to address the issues of violence where nurses are yelled at, spit on, been hit, been punched, been threatened. Those are a bigger part of the issues that need to be solved.”

A sentiment shared by Dr. Young, who admits the new devices won’t address all the hospital’s safety issues but he looks forward to continuing to work with the nurses union in addressing their concerns.

“It’s going to be hundreds of things to that we are going to be doing on a regular basis to be able to improve the security, this is just one of those tools and it’s not a perfect tool,” said Dr. Young.

The pilot program is scheduled to start next week.