TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Hospital implements new security features

SALISBURY, Md. – Starting Monday, May 13th, TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Hospital in Salisbury will have tightened security. Hospital officials are implementing metal detectors at the walk-in entrance of the emergency room (ER) and trauma center.

Chief of Special Police at TidalHealth, Bo Kennedy, tells WMDT that the check will be very similar to going through airport or courthouse security. Anyone who passes through will have to empty their pockets, put those belongings in a bin, and then walk through the metal detector.

The hospital has also made some other changes to keep the ER and trauma center more separate from the rest of the building.

“We added three bathrooms to the emergency room, along with a vending area with some food options and drink options,” Kennedy said. “And then, we also added a double door, which is access controlled, and stays locked all the time.”

Safety officials at the hospital say the new security features are a small price to pay in exchange for added peace of mind; especially as they say workplace violence is becoming a hot topic across the nation especially in health care facilities.

“No specific incident has happened here,” Kennedy said. “But this is just a proactive action from TidalHealth, as a health system, to improve safety and security for our patients, our visitors, and our staff.”

TidalHealth safety officials say they’re already looking into ways to beef up security at the main entrance, and at TidalHealth Nanticoke in Seaford.