Hospital in Kentville to receive AI-powered weapons detection system

CITYnews halifax / By Steve Gow

Another Nova Scotia hospital will see an artificial-intelligence-powered weapons detection system installed in the coming days.

According to Nova Scotia Health, Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville will be the latest facility to have the new AI-powered systems installed.

The health agency says the system will be in effect as of Saturday, with an aim to enhance safety and security for patients, visitors and staff.

Similar systems have been installed at hospitals in Halifax, Dartmouth, New Glasgow, and Sydney.

The measures also come following a successful pilot project at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre in Truro last year.

Authorities say the technology will first be installed at the hospital’s emergency department entrance, followed by other screening units at the main hospital entrance.

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Any item that is classified as a weapon, resembles a weapon or is reasonably deemed capable of being used as a weapon will not be allowed inside.

Nova Scotia Health says that AI technology “will not adversely affect people with medical devices.”

They advise people to allow extra time during visits, avoid bringing non-essential items to the hospital, and that any prohibited items will be confiscated and may be turned over to police.

The enhanced measures in part due to an incident in January 2025 that saw three staff members stabbed by a patient at the Halifax Infirmary’s emergency department.