Latest news with #PaladinSecurity
CTV News
26-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Nova Scotia Health to use AI to help with security at Truro hospital
The Colchester East Hants Health Centre in Truro, N.S., is pictured on May 8, 2025. Nova Scotia Health is utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to help with security at a Truro hospital. The health authority is launching the pilot project at Colchester East Hants Health Centre (CEHHC) on Monday and says it's aimed at 'enhancing safety for patients, visitors and healthcare providers.' An AI-powered weapons detection system will screen people entering the hospital's emergency department. 'The system specializes in non-invasive threat detection and uses artificial intelligence to identify potential weapons or dangerous items. If an item is flagged, additional screening or bag searches may occur,' reads a news release from Nova Scotia Health. The pilot project is set to run for five days and will be monitored 24/7 by trained Paladin Security staff, according to the health authority. 'Safety is a top priority for everyone in our facilities—whether you're receiving care, visiting a loved one, or part of our team,' said Dean Stienburg, director of security for Nova Scotia Health. 'This new technology gives us another tool to help create a safer space for all. We are proud to be leading the way.' Nova Scotia Health says items deemed unsafe will be stored and returned to the owner when they leave the property, while firearms and illegal weapons will be given to police. If the pilot project at CEHHC is successful, Nova Scotia Health says it hopes to expand the use of the AI-powered weapons detection system to other entrances and sites across the Northern Zone. The president of the Nova Scotia Nurses' Union, Janet Hazelton, says she's pleased the $7 million 'Safety Innovation Fund government committed to is being implemented to address this alarming but real threat to staff and others.' 'It's unfortunate that healthcare dollars must be spent on security, however I believe these measures fiercely remind the public that violence in our healthcare institutions will not be tolerated.' The new security system is being implemented just a few weeks after a teen allegedly assaulted two security guards at the hospital by throwing bleach on them, striking one in the face. At the time of the incident, Hazelton said it was further proof that violence in the health-care system 'is completely out of control.' Nova Scotia Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson told CTV News feeling and being safe at work 'is paramount.' 'The safety and wellbeing of everyone working in our healthcare facilities is important to us all, and those working and seeking treatment in our hospitals and healthcare facilities deserve to be able to do so without fear of threat or violence.' For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CBC
08-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Security guards at Truro hospital injured in bleach attack
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm after two security guards at a Truro, N.S., hospital were doused with household bleach earlier this week. Police were called to Colchester East Hants Health Centre at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday to respond to a report of an assault involving a visitor, Chief David MacNeil of the Truro Police Service told CBC News. "There was a young person that was visiting the hospital because they had a family member that was in the hospital," MacNeil said. "They were upset by something that happened and as far as we can determine so far there was some kind of interaction or discussion with security staff. The young person left the hospital and returned a time later and at that time threw a substance on two of the security guards, assaulting them." Police say two male guards were splashed with bleach, one in the face and the other on his torso. Both men were treated at the hospital and released. Paladin Security provides security at the hospital. No one from the company returned calls from the CBC seeking comment. A spokesperson with Nova Scotia Health said in an emailed statement Wednesday that the health authority was saddened by the news that two members of the hospital's security team had been seriously injured. "We are working closely with police, and our immediate focus remains on supporting the team members impacted by this event." The teenager, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was released after a court appearance on Wednesday. He's scheduled to return to court on July 7.
