Peterborough, ON – To continue ensuring a safe, secure and welcoming environment for all, Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) will be installing the Xtract One weapons detection system at its Emergency Department (ED) entrance on a permanent basis.
The new system will be installed and activated on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Following installation, everyone who enters or re-enters the hospital through the ED will be required to pass through the sensors.
The permanent installation of this system comes after a successful three-week trial in the summer of 2025, during which 113 items were removed from individuals entering the hospital.
The Xtract One system offers an advanced, non-intrusive screening process, allowing individuals to walk through without stopping or removing personal items. Using artificial intelligence (AI) and powerful sensor technology, the system detects potential weapons while distinguishing them from everyday items.
Patients and visitors can expect quick, seamless screening, with no need to remove phones, keys, water bottles, or other personal items. The system is mobility- and accessibility-friendly and supports wheelchairs, walkers, and assistive devices. To protect patient privacy, the system does not use facial recognition
technology.
Alternative screening will be available for individuals with medical devices, mobility needs, or other considerations. Spiritual and cultural practices will continue to be respected throughout the weapons screening process.
With violent incidents on the rise in healthcare, PRHC is one of a number of hospitals across Ontario to implement the use of weapons detection technology as an additional safety measure. Similar systems are in place in arenas, stadiums, and other ticketed venues, as well as casinos, workplaces and schools.
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For more information: Michelene Ough | Director, Communications | mough@prhc.on.ca
