JERSEY SHORE — As part of its commitment to safe and secure hospital environments, Geisinger continues to introduce security entrance screenings to its hospitals’ public entrances across northeastern and central Pennsylvania. Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital and Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital will be the next Geisinger hospitals to implement security screenings at public entrances starting on Monday, July 13.

Since March, the Pennsylvania-based health system has begun screening for weapons at the entrances of Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital and Geisinger Medical Center Muncy.

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center is expected to introduce the screenings by the end of summer. Geisinger Lewistown Hospital and Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton should have entrance screenings in the fall.

“Just in a short time, this screening program has already identified and helped keep hundreds of weapons, such as knives and handguns, out of our hospitals,” said Sean McGinley, associate vice president of police and security operations for Geisinger. “We have, unfortunately, seen an increase of violent action against our staff, and this is one of many tools we use to make sure we have a safe environment for everyone who comes to Geisinger.”

Weapons of any kind, including firearms and knives, are prohibited from all Geisinger facilities. People should not bring these items with them when entering a Geisinger hospital or clinic for an appointment or visit. Any weapon found through the entrance screening will not be allowed to enter the facility and must be returned to the individual’s vehicle.

Everyone — including staff, patients and visitors — will be subject to screening when using a public hospital entrance.

“When visiting our hospital, give yourself a few extra minutes to go through the entrance screening so you’re not late to your appointment,” McGinley added. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we’ve implemented this new technology and process. It’s an overall investment in the safety of our staff, patients and visitors.”