Geisinger to introduce entrance screenings at hospitals

DANVILLE, Pa. - As part of an ongoing investment in patient and employee safety, Geisinger will roll out entrance security screenings at all of its hospitals over the next year. The screening procedures will be rolled out in phases throughout the year, starting with Geisinger Medical Center on Monday, March 30.

"Our hospitals are places of healing," said Sean McGinley, associate vice president of Police and Security Operations for Geisinger. "Security is a top priority. This is yet another investment we're making in keeping our hospitals safe."

Once implemented, every visitor, patient and staff member using a public entrance, including labor and delivery, will be screened.

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 your vehicle.

Screenings will be 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.
Geisinger has used metal detectors at all emergency room entrances since 2021, preventing thousands of weapons and other dangerous items from entering its facilities.

"We've seen the benefits of these screenings," McGinley said. "Violent events in healthcare are a growing concern everywhere. This is a natural evolution of our robust security measures."

This is Geisinger's latest investment in the safety and security of staff, patients and visitors. 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.

The implementation of the entrance screenings at additional facilities will be announced at later dates. Patients should allow extra time for screenings before appointments.

About Geisinger

Geisinger is among the nation's leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in urban and rural communities across central and northeastern Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the nonprofit system generates more than $8 billion in annual revenues across 163 care sites - including 10 hospital campuses - and Geisinger Health Plan, with more than half a million members in commercial and government plans. Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 500 medical professionals annually and is conducting more than 1,400 clinical research studies. With more than 27,000 employees, including 1,800 employed physicians and 5,200 registered nurses, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania's largest employers, having an estimated economic impact of $16.8 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 follow on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.