Metal detectors are coming to more than two dozen OhioHealth hospitals and care sites.
OhioHealth calls the change a "significant step forward" in protecting patients, visitors and staff.
By the beginning of next year, OhioHealth will screen for weapons, use metal detectors and check bags at entrances to 26 sites.
It's part of an initiative to make all of OhioHealth's facilities weapons free.
The Columbus-based healthcare system already doesn't allow weapons, but is taking extra steps to improve safety as violence increases in the healthcare industry.
“The safety of our patients, visitors, and associates is of utmost importance to us at OhioHealth,” said Vice President of Security and Protective Services Todd Wickerham. “While we have always prohibited weapons from entering our care sites, this is an active measure to make sure that’s the case.”
Experts report that healthcare workers are four to five times more likely to experience violence in the workplace than other workers.
OhioHealth said the safety screenings will not delay patient care.
