Security measures for Newman Regional Health’s emergency department are changing after an incident this week.
During the hospital’s Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday, CEO Bob Wright announced the hospital would begin immediate implementation of some adjustments planned for later. This means two-guard coverage day or night and the automatic “wanding” of patients as they come in for care. Signs will also be posted around the hospital reminding patients Newman Regional Health has the right to search patients if they have suspicious packages.
The decision follows an incident where an Emporia man allegedly brought a machete to the ER after an alleged assault in the 800 block of Clark on Tuesday.
Cory Coburn, 35, received medical attention and then was immediately turned over to authorities. Formal charges are pending at last word.
Meanwhile, the hospital board learned it would be reimbursed for its electronic medical records upgrade several months ago. Wright tells KVOE News this was an unexpected bit of good news.
The board also approved the purchase of a new nuclear camera at a cost of $268,000.
