“Times are changing. We have to evolve with the times.”
That’s University of Michigan Health-West Security Operations Supervisor Adam Dykhuizen.
“Hospitals all across the nation, there’s an uptick in workplace violence events. There’s an uptick in staff assaults.”
In response, nearly 1,900 employees are receiving Canopy buttons.
“It’s a panic alarm system where everyone just has it on them. It’s attached to their badge, they press it twice, and then we get the assistance that they need wherever they are in the hospital.”
Nearly 900 sensors placed throughout UM Health-West’s campus alert security and employees to the location of a potential safety issue.
Radiologist Katie Mason says it provides an added layer of security.
“We have had staff over the time I’ve been here that this would have been extraordinarily helpful for them as well.”
Canopy compliments an AI-enabled weapons detection system installed earlier this year. Last year the hospital added K9 security teams.
According to the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, 76% of healthcare workers report experiencing workplace violence.
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