COLUMBIA, Tenn. — In January, Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) will be expanding its security measures to include weapons detection systems at key points of entry. The first system will be installed at the Emergency Department entrance with plans to expand to other points of entry in the future.
“Like many sectors in our society, health care facilities across the nation have experienced an increase in incidents involving weapons or other potentially harmful items entering these facilities,” said Maury Regional Health CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “By utilizing metal detectors, we can mitigate these events while maintaining a welcoming and protective space for our patients and care teams.”
The weapons detection system is comparable to those commonly used in large entertainment venues and will be staffed by members of the MRMC security team. If the alarm is activated as a visitor walks through the metal detectors, a more detailed screening will be conducted. In accordance with T.C.A. § 39-17-1359, no weapons will be permitted into the facility, including those registered to a person with a state-approved handgun carry permit.
“Maury Regional is committed to fostering a healing environment, which includes the safety and security of our patients, visitors, employees and providers,” said CEO Martin Chaney, MD. “The medical center has security officers on site and patrolling 24/7, three hospital-based K-9 units and a robust security surveillance system. This is just the latest addition to further enhance our safety strategy.”