How OPENGATE® Helped a Virginia Hospital Strengthen Emergency Department Security Without Slowing Patient Care

Why Emergency Departments Need Modern Hospital Security Systems

Emergency departments remain high-pressure, high-traffic environments, prompting hospitals to adopt modern hospital security systems that help protect staff and patients without slowing care. Traditional metal detectors can introduce bottlenecks, create anxiety, and slow patient flow, making it difficult to balance security with a welcoming clinical environment.

That balance was top of mind for Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Virginia. As a Level I trauma center and the flagship hospital of the Carilion Clinic system, the emergency department sees consistently high volumes, making it an ideal and demanding setting for improved weapons detection. To address these challenges, hospital leaders began exploring modern hospital security systems designed to enhance safety while maintaining efficient patient flow.

The Hospital’s Search for a Patient-First Weapons Detection System

Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital needed a patient-first weapons detection system that could strengthen emergency department security without slowing care. Hospital leadership prioritized a solution that was noninvasive, supported walk-through screening without divesting, and minimized nuisance alarms while still delivering reliable detection.

OPENGATE® met those requirements. Its unobtrusive design allowed screening to occur without having to make renovations, and the units could be repositioned as needed.

According to Carl Cline, Vice President of Carilion Clinic Police and Security, staff and visitors quickly understood the purpose and value of the new approach. “By and large, staff and the public understand the need for these enhanced safety measures and have voiced support and appreciation for the additional security,” Cline shared.

How OPENGATE^® Improved Hospital Public Safety in the Emergency Department

OPENGATE® delivered measurable improvements in the hospital’s public safety, creating a safer and more efficient entry process for the emergency department:

• Staff confidence: Increased assurance due to the system’s accuracy, reliability, and ease of operation
• Patient flow: Faster entry; no bottlenecks or secondary screening areas
• Patient experience: A discreet, noninvasive design that feels less intimidating than traditional screening
• Operational efficiency: A system that supports broader hospital goals through a secure, patient-centered environment

These combined results helped the hospital enhance safety without disrupting the pace or atmosphere of the ED.

A Scalable Model for Managing Patient Security in Hospitals

The success of OPENGATE® in the emergency department has helped guide a broader approach to managing patient security in hospitals. By pairing universal screening with clear education, staff training, and defined protocols, healthcare facilities can strengthen safety without creating friction at entry points.

As Cline emphasized, “A rollout like this requires working closely with staff and the public to minimize disruption. Universal screenings, paired with education and clear protocols for both staff and the public, help us to safely monitor traffic in and out of the facility.”

Hospitals considering a similar approach can start by reviewing entry patterns, identifying priority locations, and working with a knowledgeable partner to determine the right deployment strategy.

Explore CEIA USA’s Hospital Security Solutions

Like Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, healthcare organizations across the country are looking for ways to improve emergency department security without slowing patient care. CEIA USA takes a consultative, healthcare-focused approach, helping hospitals evaluate weapons detection solutions that align with their workflows, entry points, and safety goals.

Contact our team today to schedule an on-site demo or education session and see how OPENGATE® performs in real clinical environments.