Weapons-screening system installed at Edmonton’s Royal Alexandra Hospital
Posted May 19, 2026 11:39 am.
Last Updated May 19, 2026 11:44 am.
A weapons-screening detection system, similar to the technology used at concerts and sports venues, is being introduced at an Edmonton hospital.
The safety measure is being implemented at the Royal Alexandra Hospital’s emergency department, with all arriving patients and visitors being asked to pass through the screening system.
If the system detects an “item of concern” on a person or in their belongings, the hospital’s protective services team will perform a secondary screening.
Alberta Health Services says prohibited items can be secured in a locker, their car, or with a family member not entering the emergency department.
“Patients seeking care who refuse weapons screening or compliance can be connected to Health Link by RAH Protective Services to speak with a nurse regarding the acuity and urgency of their care needs,” AHS explained. “Health Link nurses can refer patients to a virtual physician, or an on-site healthcare professional should care needs warrant. This consultation will occur while the person remains at the hospital within sight of RAH Protective Services.
“Patients who refuse to participate in screening who still require access to emergency care will be assigned RAH Protective Services oversight while in the department.”
The weapons-screening system is the latest security measure being introduced at the emergency department that was the scene of a stabbing last month in which a 42-year-old man sustained life-threatening injuries following a fight with another man. Edmonton police said one of the men was found with three edged-weapons; he was charged with assault with a weapon and two counts of failing to comply with probation.
Alberta’s hospital minister, Matt Jones, said at the time his government was working to speed up the implementation of an already-approved security plan for the hospital.
In the following weeks, AHS introduced a bag-search, visitor limit, and single-bag policies at the Royal Alexandra.
