NIHD to test hospital entrance screening system Aug. 18-20

Patients and visitors coming to Northern Inyo Hospital Aug. 18-20 may notice something different when they arrive. Northern Inyo Healthcare District (NIHD) will test a hospital entrance screening system to learn how it works in a hospital setting while maintaining a positive experience for patients and visitors.

The three-day test is expected to have little or no impact on patient care or scheduled appointments.

The system will be set up at the Main Lobby and Emergency Department entrances. It is designed to detect weapons. Some patients and visitors may be asked to take part in the test. Staff will be nearby to answer questions and help visitors.

The test is part of NIHD’s planning for new hospital weapons screening requirements established under California’s Assembly Bill 2975. The law directs California to develop statewide standards for hospital weapons screening over the next few years. NIHD is testing the system now so it has time to learn what works best before making any decisions.

“We know people come to the hospital during some of life’s most important moments,” said Allison Partridge, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer at Northern Inyo Healthcare District. “They should feel welcome, cared for and safe from the moment they walk through our doors.

“Safety has been on many people’s minds in recent days. This test is not a response to any one event. It is part of our long-term planning as hospitals across California prepare for new state requirements. We want to understand what works best for our patients, visitors, employees and community before making any decisions.”

Patients should arrive for appointments and services as they normally would. The test is not expected to affect patient care or scheduled appointments. Staff will be available to answer questions and assist visitors.

Northern Inyo Healthcare District appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as it completes the three-day evaluation. What NIHD learns during the test will help guide future decisions as the District continues providing safe, compassionate care in a welcoming environment.

About Northern Inyo Healthcare District: Founded in 1946, Northern Inyo Healthcare District features a 25-bed critical access hospital, a 24-hour emergency department, a primary care rural health clinic, a diagnostic imaging center, and a rehabilitation service for physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy. We also offer clinics specializing in orthopedics, cardiology, urology, women’s health, pediatrics and allergies, general surgery, colorectal surgery, and breast cancer surgery. Continually striving to improve the health outcomes for those who rely on us for care, NIHD aims to improve our communities, one life at a time. One team, one goal, your health.