Members of LHSC's Security team providing a demonstration of the weapons detection system
April 14, 2025
In a continued commitment to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all, London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) is introducing a new weapons detection system at the entrances of its Emergency Departments (EDs) at Victoria Hospital, Children’s Hospital, and University Hospital. The system will go live at University Hospital on April 15, followed by Victoria Hospital on May 6.
The system, leased through Convergint Canada this past January, is part of an ongoing effort to enhance security while maintaining efficient entry for patients, visitors, and team members.
“Our intention is to create an environment where patients feel safe while receiving the care they need and our team members feel secure while delivering it,” says David Musyj, Supervisor at LHSC. “By implementing this system, we are reinforcing our commitment to that goal.”
The weapons detection system offers an advanced, non-intrusive screening process, allowing individuals to walk through without stopping or removing personal items. Using artificial intelligence (AI) and powerful sensor technology, the system detects potential weapons while distinguishing them from everyday items. If a potential threat is detected, security personnel receive an alert to assess the situation further. The system also ensures the privacy of individuals by not utilizing facial recognition technology.
The system has already shown its effectiveness in the Ontario health-care sector. Since November 2023, Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH) has identified more than 4,700 items (knives and other threats) out of a total of more than 610,000 people going through the detectors. At the start, WRH identified an average of approximately 17 items (knives and other threats) per day, including an average of nine knives per day. That number has continued to drop monthly and now averages approximately six items per day, including an average of four knives per day.
“Clearly ‘word of mouth’ has occurred regarding these detectors and people now know not to bring these items into the Emergency Department,” notes Musyj.
The system has also contributed to operational improvements with the WRH Emergency Department’s staff vacancy rate dropping from 30 per cent to 2.7 per cent. Although LHSC’s staff vacancy rate in its EDs is currently below five per cent, the hospital looks forward to the positive impact this system will have with its own team.
“Our Emergency Departments are critical entry points for patients and families seeking care and when we create a safer entry point, it benefits everyone, including our team members,” says Musyj. “We’ve seen the success of this system at Windsor Regional Hospital. It’s helped to enhance safety, which has also led to staff and physicians feeling more comfortable at work.”
LHSC has worked closely with staff and physicians to implement the system effectively, with a key focus on ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining hospital operations without disruption. Since March, training sessions have allowed staff, physicians, volunteers, learners, and patient partners to familiarize themselves with the system.
As the system is introduced in the EDs, patients and visitors will be supported by LHSC’s Security team in understanding the system and having any questions answered. While some individuals should avoid walking through the system, such as those with medical implants like pacemakers, LHSC will offer alternate screening methods, including handheld screening or private screening options, for these individuals.
LHSC will continue to assess the system’s effectiveness and gather feedback from patients, staff, and visitors to ensure it meets the needs of the hospital community.
"Hospital security is an evolving field, with health-care organizations across North America exploring innovative ways to maintain both safety and accessibility,” adds Musyj. “The introduction of this weapons detection system aligns with best practices in hospital security, ensuring LHSC remains at the forefront of proactive safety measures.”