The safety and security of our Wellspan team members and patients is our highest priority. Following the recent tragic event at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, we have implemented enhanced security measures across all WellSpan campuses and facilities.
Starting this week, our team members, patients, and visitors will notice that we have designated specific entrances to our hospital to ensure optimal safety for all. This includes closing certain entrances to limit access to our hospitals. We are also implementing more security enhancements as further safety measures.
These changes are in addition to the increased safety and security investments WellSpan Health has made over the last two years, with investments of more than $20M. The effort is part of a multi-year plan to increase security across our campuses to reinforce our commitment to the safety and security of all who enter a WellSpan facility. As we noted last week, we continue to evolve how we may best ensure that team members can provide their life-saving care without fearing for their own safety in the workplace. These measures of providing secure entrances to our facilities is aligned with that response.
It’s also important to note that WellSpan does currently utilize metal detectors in settings where entry volumes demand it. That includes utilizing 24/7 metal detectors at the Emergency Department entrance to WellSpan York Hospital and having armed, on-duty police officers working as hospital resource officers at WellSpan York Hospital. Security teams across WellSpan also utilize handheld wands during times of enhanced security, as needed.
As part of WellSpan’s commitment to create a zero-harm environment and increase safety for all, the system continues to invest millions to expand its Strongline program, which is a real-time incident notification system and badge for WellSpan team members to press when in a threatening situation. To date, this program has been implemented across 188 WellSpan locations (including hospitals) with more than 20,000 badges issued to team members. Just last week it was implemented in the WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital emergency department. When activated, the notification system directly notifies security officers and teams to quickly diffuse numerous potential harmful scenarios and has helped to improve workplace safety.
All told, these actions have led to a 55 percent reduction of workplace violence injuries, resulting in time off work over the last year.
We appreciate the understanding of our team members, patients and visitors as we make these changes. Patients and visitors can expect volunteers and security personnel to aid in direction to appropriate entrances in all our facilities where changes have occurred. Individuals with questions about access to a specific location are advised to contact that facility directly.
WellSpan is grateful to all our team members who are devoted to caring for others despite the safety and security risks they may face in a place meant for hope and healing.