Community Health Network has selected Canada-based Xtract One Technologies, a threat detection and security solutions provider for its SmartGateway System to protect key hospital locations.

Developed by Xtract One, the system scans patrons for weapons and other prohibited items using artificial intelligence (AI)-powered sensors for detecting threats, ensuring a safe environment without compromising privacy.

In collaboration with its partner CK2 Technologies, Community Health Network aims to enhance safety by replacing traditional metal detectors with Xtract One’s solution.

During a 30-day pilot programme at Community Hospital East, the system demonstrated its effectiveness in detecting weapons while keeping patrons' privacy.

The technology will be deployed in various Community hospitals, including Community Hospital North, Community Behavioral Health, to enhance security measures and improve entry experiences for employees, patients, and visitors.

Community Fairbanks Recovery Center, Community Hospital East, Community Heart and Vascular Hospital, Community Hospital South, Community Howard Regional Health and Community Hospital Anderson will also deploy the system.

Community Health Network security and safety vice-president Kevin Mahan said: “We’re excited to partner with Xtract One to help bring safety to the forefront of our facilities and our patrons’ experiences.

“During the pilot period, the Xtract One system successfully detected and alerted on weapons of all sizes, including firearms and pocketknives. This knowledge, together with the data insights provided to us when using the solution made it very clear this was the right approach to ensuring a secure environment for all our patients.

“With Xtract One, we’re able to focus on our work delivering optimal healthcare experiences to our community, knowing that our employees, patients, and visitors are safe when they enter our facilities.”