Security Screening to be Expanded to Main Entrance

Medical Staff,

You told us you wanted to feel safer at work, and we listened:

Creating a workplace free of violence is a top priority for us. We recognize the importance of ensuring that you feel secure and protected while here on our campus.

New security system

As you may recall, last December we piloted a new security system in our Emergency Care Center/South Lobby. Everyone – visitors, patients, vendors, caregivers and medical staff – are screened upon entry.

On July 21, we will expand this security screening process to our hospital main entrance off Stewart Drive. That means anyone entering through our emergency department or our main hospital entrance will be screened.

Use badge entrances to avoid screening

Caregivers and medical staff can avoid screening by entering through our caregiver entrance at Café Le Puy or at the West Lot Ramp (Bldg 2 Physician Parking Gate). These badge entry locations will be open from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. We encourage you to use staff elevators to free up the elevators in our main lobby.

For the safety and security of all, visitors are not allowed entry at badge access only entrances. Please be aware of visitors “tailgating” through badge access entrances and direct them to enter at the main entrances instead.

Restricted items

The list of restricted items includes but are not limited to the following:

• Firearms, ammunition and accessories
• Knives, box cutters, razor blades, disposable razors
• Scissors
• Lighters
• Vapes
• Alcoholic beverages
• Drug paraphernalia

Anyone carrying these items will be asked to return them to their vehicle or the items will be confiscated. Rest assured that anyone carrying weapons or who is potentially impaired will be assessed for further threat.

Screening process

Upon entry, you’ll be asked to remove all metal items (cell phone, keys, wallet) before passing through the security system. This will ensure a quick and efficient entry into our facility. Some may require additional screening with a wand and/or pat down.

Our trained staff will ensure personal belongings are handled discreetly and privacy is maintained throughout the screening.
Our screening system is an effective, non-invasive, advanced detection system capable of detecting weapons and other threat items quickly with precise location identification. It is safe to use during pregnancy and for people with pacemakers and other devices.

Why we’re doing this

As always, we appreciate your vigilance and encourage you to always report suspicious activity to Security.

Your safety is our priority.

Troy Gideon
Chief Administrative Officer
Providence St. Joseph Hospital