Royal Alexandra Hospital weapons detection system finally installed
After years of tireless advocacy by United Nurses of Alberta Local 33 members working in the Royal Alexandra Hospital Emergency Department, Alberta Health Services announced on May 19 that a weapons detection system has been finally installed to enhance safety for nurses, health care staff and patients.
The installation of the weapons detection system was one of three safety improvements that UNA called for in response to recent increases in violence and threats towards nurses and patients in Emergency Departments.
In a letter to then-minister of hospital and surgical health services Matt Jones sent on April 9, 2026, UNA President Heather Smith called for three safety measures to be urgently implemented:
The expedited installation of the weapons detection system at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Emergency Department
Guaranteeing funding to employ sufficient Protective Services Officers to staff all hospital Emergency Departments in Alberta.
Prioritizing infrastructure expansion of Emergency Departments throughout the province.
Nurses and staff at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Emergency Department were dedicated and diligent in reporting incidents of violence and dangerous weapons entering their workplace. It is because of these nurses and staff that the provincial government and health care employers felt intense pressure to expedite the installation of the weapons detection system.
UNA will be following up on the status of the two additional safety improvements with new Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services Adriana LaGrange, who was appointed to that role today. LaGrange previously served as Minister of Health and Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services.
How does the weapons detection system work?
All patients and visitors will be asked to go through the weapons detection system prior to entering the ED, the statement from AHS said.
If the system detects an item of concern on a person’s body or their belongings, RAH Protective Services will ask to perform a secondary screening, AHS said. Patients and visitors will be able to voluntarily secure prohibited items in a locker until they leave or are discharged.
“Patients seeking care who refuse weapons screening or compliance can be connected to Health Link by RAH Protective Services to speak with a nurse regarding the acuity and urgency of their care needs,” the release said. On-site consultations with such person will occur while the person remains at the hospital within sight of RAH Protective Services, the news release said.
The technology does not use harmful radiation, AHS said, and is safe for individuals who are pregnant of have pacemakers or medical implants.
