Submitted by Providence Swedish
We’ve introduced a pilot project, a new security system at the entrance of the St. Peter Hospital Emergency Department to improve safety for our patients, visitors and caregivers.
We have installed a concealed weapons detection system, which is the highest level of technology available and is less reliant on Security staffing at the walk-in entrances. The system uses advanced sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to look for weapons.
Here Are Some Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be any personal information collected with artificial intelligence (AI) technology?
The concealed weapons detection system (CWD) is powered by Evolv Technology. Evolv’s objective is to provide the best security without compromising privacy or convenience. The information captured is a standard picture, like one taken from a smartphone camera or captured by CCTV. If a potential threat is detected, the picture appears onscreen with a box highlighting where the threat is located to help security teams focus on that specific area.
For clarity, Evolv does not collect, process, or use any personal identifiable information. The identity of any individual passing through an Evolv system will remain completely anonymous.
Why are we installing CWD systems?
We have heard the concerns about weapons entering our hospital and the desire for metal detectors. Given some of the weaknesses of traditional metal detectors, we have explored more innovative ways to enhance security and found the CWD system would be the best fit. While we know that no technology is 100% accurate, we believe through our extensive research that the CWD performed best among our options.
What is the difference between a metal detector and a CWD system?
The CWD system being installed is proven to operate faster than traditional metal detectors with its touchless free-flow experience. The CWD can screen up to 3,600 people per hour, eliminating any bottle necks at points of entry. Unlike older metal detectors, wands, and pat downs, the system can intelligently distinguish between threats and everyday items like a cellphone, coins, or keys. While we know that no technology is 100% accurate, we believe through our extensive research that the CWD performed best among our options.
What personal items will we need to remove, if any? Can we walk through with our personal belongings?
The CWD is meant to provide a quick, unobtrusive workflow with no stopping required. Caregivers, patients, or visitors may be asked to empty their pockets and/or allow Security to search through their bag(s) or belongings for inspection. Visitors and employees can walk/wheel naturally side-by-side or in groups through lanes without pausing.
What if I have an implantable or wearable medical device? Is it safe to walk through?
The CWD system is meant to screen all traffic at monitored points of entry. In keeping with U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidance on electronic article surveillance and other walk-through metal detectors, it is recommended that visitors and system operators with implantable or wearable medical devices consult their device manufacturer or physician for information relating to their own specific device. The system uses extremely low frequency radio waves in compliance with Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineer’s 2019 guidance for safe operation with the general public.
What if I don’t feel safe walking through the CWD system, is there an alternative?
If someone doesn’t feel safe walking through the CWD system, there are a couple of alternatives:
- Security can open the stanchions next to the unit and allow entry into our facility by using a handheld wand detection unit on that person.
- Security can do a patient safety search following our Search Policy and standard practices.
- A visual check of purses, bags, etc. and an outer clothing “back of the hand” pat down of the person may be performed – per security protocol.
About Providence St. Peter Hospital
Providence St. Peter Hospital, part of Providence Swedish in the Puget Sound, is a 394-bed, not-for-profit regional teaching hospital founded by the Sisters of Providence in 1887 with four-time Magnet recognition. The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes the top health care organizations in the nation for providing nursing excellence. Only two other hospitals in Washington have garnered this honor.
Providence St. Peter is routinely named Best Regional Hospital in US News and World Report (Peninsula Region). St. Peter is a regional leader in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics and neurosciences. The Joint Commission has designated the hospital a Stroke Center of Excellence since 2007.
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