Halifax Infirmary implementing extra safety measures following ER stabbing

The QEII Halifax Infirmary emergency department is implementing a new visitor pass system to enhance security and safety at the site.

Starting Thursday, Nova Scotia Health says the following measures will be put in place:

• all visitors will be issued a wearable badge upon entry
• security will also log your time of arrival and departure from the department
• the badge must be worn and visible at all times while inside the emergency department
• visitors who leave the emergency department, even briefly, will be required to undergo re-screening upon re-entry
• visitors who plan to leave the department for more than one hour should return their pass to any security officer stationed in the area

The health authority says the new safety measures are part of a pilot program.

Metal detector installed

Extra security measures have been put in place at the ER since four people were injured – including staff members – last month.

During that incident, an armed man – who was receiving care at the hospital – stabbed two people in the ER and injured two others by throwing objects at them.

That man has since been identified as 32-year-old Nicholas Robert Coulombe.

He has been charged with attempted murder, along with several other offences.

As a result of the attack, the ER also installed a metal detector earlier this month.

Anyone entering the emergency department through the main entrance on Bell Road will have to enter through the metal detector and may be searched, according to a news release from Nova Scotia Health.

The health authority said any weapons, or anything that could be used as a weapon, will be confiscated. Some confiscated items will be secured on site and returned to the patient upon discharge. All firearms and illegal weapons will be handed over to police.

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