North Platte, Neb., February 6, 2024 – To ensure an environment that promotes
wellbeing and workplace safety, Great Plains Health is implementing a new safety
screening in the emergency department.
“Great Plains Health is a place of compassion and healing,” said Ivan Mitchell, Great
Plains Health chief executive officer. “The safety of our patients, staff and visitors is
important to us. We are using the latest technology to add an extra layer of security to
encourage an even safer environment, without impacting the visitor experience.”
Safety measures go into effect February 12. All patients, visitors and staff entering the
emergency department will pass through the Evolv security screening device, which
helps detect weapons while minimizing disruption. The screening is brief, and requires
individuals to walk through a detector similar to what visitors at a concert or sporting
venue may encounter. Individuals walk through the screening without needing to
remove items or any clothing. The system can differentiate between real threats and the
everyday metal items people carry with them such as belts and jewelry, or medical
implants such as heart monitors.
Great Plains Health is a weapons-free facility. The addition of the screening was not in
response to any particular incident locally, but rather is designed to uphold policies, and
promote an environment of safety, civility and healing. The new safety measure is an
extra step to ensure safety among the growing nationwide trend of violence in
healthcare settings. Great Plains Health is committed to offering patients, staff and
visitors a safe environment where healing is the focus
