Beginning Monday, Atrium Health Stanly will implement new processes designed to help ensure the safety of patients, visitors and employees.

All patients and visitors will now access the hospital through one of three entrances, depending on the purpose of their visit. The entrances are the Surgery Center, Bivens Outpatient Center and the emergency department. Each entrance will have a metal detector and security screening, where a valid ID will be required as well as stating a purpose for the visit. Anyone refusing to comply will not be permitted access to the hospital. Patients will continue to experience the same security protocols as before.

“Nothing is more important than providing a safe environment for our patients, their visitors and our dedicated teammates,” said Brian Freeman, facility executive at Atrium Health Stanly. “Atrium Health Stanly is honored to be your community hospital and will continue to make the investments needed to provide the safest environment to every person in our care and all others who come through our doors. We recognize these changes may take some time getting used to. We appreciate our community for their understanding and shared diligence to keep everyone safe.”

Atrium Health Senior Manager for Media Relations Kate Gaier also provided an update on the hospital’s events center.

“The events center of the hospital is a secured area and visitors will be able to attend meetings and events as usual,” Gaier said. “Recent security improvements to this area restrict visitors from accessing the other areas of the hospital while attending an event.”

Gaier said “Atrium Health is continuously monitoring safety and security protocols to ensure everyone is protected while inside our buildings.

“Atrium Health continues to implement increased security measures across the health care system, including at Atrium Health Stanly,” Gaier added. “Ensuring the safety and security of our patients, visitors and teammates is something we take seriously. We never stop evaluating our process and never stop listening to feedback which allows us to provide the safest environment possible so that our patients can focus on being healthy.”