The company announced that they will roll out entrance security screenings at their hospitals beginning March 30.
DANVILLE, Pa. — Geisinger announced Wednesday a plan to roll out security entrance screenings at their hospitals beginning on March 30, according to a press release.
The roll out of entrance screenings at all of their hospitals is part of Geisinger’s ongoing investment in patient and employee safety. Geisinger Medical Center will be the first to use metal detectors starting at the end of the month.
“Our hospitals are places of healing,” said Sean McGinley, associate vice president of Police and Security Operations for Geisinger. “Security is a top priority. This is yet another investment we’re making in keeping our hospitals safe.”
Once implemented, every patient, staff member and visitor that uses a public entrance, including labor and delivery, will be screened, according to Geisinger.
Screenings will be similar to those at airports or courthouses, and if the detector is activated, a security officer will conduct a scan with a handheld detector.
Weapons of any kind, including firearms and knives, are prohibited from all Geisinger facilities. People should not bring these items with them when entering a Geisinger hospital or clinic for an appointment or visit. Any weapon found through the entrance screening will not be allowed to enter the facility and must be returned to your car.
Geisinger has used metal detectors at all emergency room entrances since 2021 and now looks to eliminate the threat of dangerous items from all facilities with their latest decision.
“We’ve seen the benefits of these screenings,” McGinley said. “Violent events in healthcare are a growing concern everywhere. This is a natural evolution of our robust security measures.”
Other recent safety updates at Geisinger facilities include the introduction of a private police team in 2025, specialized staff training, a K-9 program and installation of hundreds of security cameras — many using AI to automatically alert security to real-time dangers.
Entrance screenings at additional facilities will be announced at later dates. Geisinger reminded patients to allow for extra time for screenings before appointments.