New safety measures are now in place at Sparrow Hospital after metal detectors were installed Wednesday night at the entrance of the Emergency Department.
This comes nearly four months after a patient stabbed an ER doctor. Officials say following that incident, they re-evaluated the hospitals security measures.
It's where they see the most foot traffic, driving nearly 200 to 300 people on any given day.
"A heart attack a stroke, an assault, a stabbing, a gun shot wound, this is where they come. Young, old, men, women. It doesn't matter," said Dr. Michael Clark in the ER.
Dr. Clark has worked in the emergency department for 37 years. He says it's the saftey net of medical care and installing these metal detectors will benefit everyone.
Along with the installtion of the metal detectors, they also put in signs reminding people that weapons are not allowed, as well as having have two security guards at all times in the ER.
"If someone comes in by ambulance, of course they will come through, but then they will be wanded," said Dr. Clark.
Hospital officials say it will not slow down patient care and that that is still their number one priority. They will assess people depending on their condition.@
Dr. Clark says the majority of people he's spoken to haven't minded the few extra seconds it takes.
"They feel more secure that other folks in the emergency department are going to be unarmed of things they never ever should have in a hospital, let alone an emergency department," said Dr. Clark.
"I think it's a great idea. Courthouses have metal detectors and having them in the hospital increases everybodys safety," said Lansing resident Linda Jones.
If you do bring in something that is not allowed, security officers will hold on to it until you leave.
