Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital staff work hard to make the hospital a safe and comfortable place. Security personnel are available 24/7 and provides protection for the well-being of all patients, visitors and employees.
Safety Screening/Weapons Detection System
To keep our environment safe and welcoming, the Golisano Children’s Hospital uses a weapons detection system located in the elevator lobby. The screening is fast, easy and similar to what you may have experienced at other hospitals or large public venues. It is used for all visitors and employees. Read our FAQs for details.
FAQs
What Is safety screening at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital?
Safety screening is a quick, respectful check for weapons to keep everyone safe at the hospital.
Why is Golisano Children’s Hospital implementing a safety screening/weapons detection system?
We’re adding this system to strengthen campus safety and ensure a safe, secure environment for patients, families and staff.
Where will the system be located?
You will walk through the screening system as you enter the Golisano Children’s Hospital elevator lobby.
How long will the screening process take?
Screening is quick and easy. You don’t need to empty your pockets or remove items from your bags, and two people can walk through together.
What items will activate the system?
Most everyday items won’t set off the system. Large metal items – like reusable bottles or laptops – may trigger it, so please take them out and show them to security.
Cellphones, keys, pocket change and jewelry will pass without issue.
What happens if the system detects a possible weapon?
If something needs a closer look, a security team member will do a quick secondary check before you move on.
Is it safe for people with implanted medical devices?
Testing shows the system is safe. If you prefer not to walk through it, you can request a quick handheld screening with a wand instead.
Is the technology safe for pregnant women?
Testing shows the system is safe. If you are pregnant and prefer not to go through the detector, you can request a quick handheld screening with a wand instead.
What should I do with a stroller, wheelchair or car seat?
Strollers, wheelchairs and car seats will be checked with a handheld wand. Please remove any attached bags so they can be screened separately.
I have a concealed carry permit. Can I bring my firearm inside?
No. For everyone’s safety, weapons of any kind aren’t allowed in our facilities – even for individuals with a concealed-carry permit.
Do other health care organizations use this type of technology?
Yes. Many major hospitals, health systems and large public venues use this type of screening to help keep people safe.
Anyone who is uncomfortable going through the system, can choose a handheld wand screening instead.
Parent and visitor identification
To visit patients at the Children’s Hospital, you must check in at the Children’s Hospital or Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center information desks and show photo identification. We give parents an identification bracelet to wear for the length of their child’s stay and require visitors to wear a stick-on badge that identifies them as an authorized visitor.
Color-coded Wristbands
To provide consistency across health care facilities, we use a series of standardized color-coded wristbands to identify a patient’s medical status or condition.
We’ll ask your child to remove any charity or colored bracelets while being treated at the Children’s Hospital so they are not confused with the color-coded safety wristbands.
These bands are in addition to our facility’s identification, blood bank and security wristbands. For your safety, please do not remove any bands applied by our staff.
Evening access
The Children’s Hospital entrance locks after 6 p.m., at which time all visitors must check in at the main hospital entrance.
Locked units
We lock all patient units at the Children’s Hospital and require authorization to gain access. We have an attendee stationed at the information desk around the clock to give authorized guests access to the patient units.
If you want to visit patients outside of the regular visiting hours, it’s best to first check with the patient’s family to ensure that you’ll be able to visit. Patient families should discuss authorized visitors with their nursing staff.
Alarm system and other security measures
Extra security measures throughout the hospital include:
- Newborn babies wear a special security band that trips an alarm when they are moved beyond the Women’s Health or Labor and Delivery area.
- Emergency call boxes are located all over campus and allow you to contact the security office immediately.
- More than 400 cameras provide recorded 24/7 video monitoring of the entire campus.
Report an incident or request a security guard
We have security officers at the Children’s Hospital every hour of the day to protect the well-being and property of all patients, visitors, and employees.
The security command post is located at the main entrance of the emergency department.
Please report any suspicious activity, crimes, or unusual events to the security department at 717-531-8711.
Prohibited items
These items or activities are not allowed on the campus of Milton S. Hershey Medical Center:
- Guns (not allowed even with a concealed carry permit) or other weapons
- Smoking or use of other tobacco products
- Vaping
- Illegal drugs
- Harmful chemicals