HSC weapons scanners effective, needed at other hospitals: nurses union

The AI weapons scanners installed at Health Sciences Centre (HSC), Manitoba's largest hospital, have successfully detected nearly 2,000 items since their installation, according to Shared Health. Throughout March 6, 2025 to the beginning of the current month, the scanners flagged 1,973 items for further review. These items included knives, Swiss army knives, drugs, alcohol, box cutters, syringes, and other injection devices.

HSC is the only hospital in Manitoba currently equipped with these scanners. However, Darlene Jackson, president of the Manitoba Nurses Union, expressed concern that the scanners are not available at all HSC locations. A sawed-off rifle was discovered in the adult ER earlier this month by an ER nurse who found it in a patient's bag.

The patient, who arrived by ambulance, had no identification or way to communicate with staff, making the quick discovery crucial. Jackson emphasized the need for strict security measures and AI scanners in more locations, citing the increasing number of weapons and violence towards staff. HSC is the sole Manitoba hospital with these scanners at present.