Geisinger completes rollout of entrance security screenings at all hospitals

LEWISTOWN, Pa. - Geisinger will finish its phased implementation of entrance security screenings at its hospitals next week when the process goes live at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital (GLH) on Monday, Nov. 16.

GLH will be the ninth and final Geisinger hospital to implement the new security measure, joining the health system's hospitals in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Danville, Bloomsburg, Shamokin, Muncy and Jersey Shore.

Geisinger has used metal detectors at its hospital emergency room entrances since 2021 and began rolling out security screenings to its hospitals' other public entrances in March.

"We've seen the benefits of these screenings across northeastern and central Pennsylvania as we've implemented them in our hospitals," said Sean McGinley, associate vice president of Police and Security Operations for Geisinger. "Unfortunately, violent events in healthcare are a growing concern everywhere, and we are no different. We are committed to providing a safe and calm healing environment for our patients and their visitors, and a secure workplace for our staff."
Once implemented at GLH, every Geisinger-owned hospital will have the entrance screenings. Every visitor, patient and staff member using a public entrance, including labor and delivery, is required to pass through the screening technology.

Weapons of any kind, including firearms and knives, are prohibited from all Geisinger facilities. People should not bring these items with them when entering a Geisinger hospital or clinic for an appointment or visit. Any weapon found through the entrance screening will not be allowed to enter the facility and must be returned to the individual's vehicle or surrendered.

Screenings are similar to those at airports or courthouses, using metal detectors. If the detector is activated, the security officer will conduct a scan with a handheld detector.

Patients should allow extra time for screenings before appointments.

The security screenings rollout over the past year is Geisinger's latest investment in safety and security. Other updates include introduction of a private police team in 2025, specialized staff training, a K-9 program and installation of hundreds of security cameras - many using AI to automatically alert security to real-time dangers.

About Geisinger

Geisinger is among the nation's leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in rural and urban communities across central and northeastern Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the nonprofit system generates $9 billion in annual revenues across more than 130 care sites - including 10 hospital campuses - and Geisinger Health Plan, with 509,000+ enrollees in commercial and government plans. Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 600 medical professionals annually and conducts more than 1,600 clinical research studies. With 28,000 employees, including 1,900 employed physicians and 5,400 registered nurses, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania's largest employers with an estimated economic impact of $18 billion on the state's economy. In 2024, Geisinger joined Risant Health, a nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country. Learn more at geisinger.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.