By Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
I was just reading that Northwell Health Hospitals is arming officers to protect staff, patients, families and all who visit these facilities.
Now it is sad to say with all the shootings around the country Northwell is only doing what has to be done in the wake of all this violence.
I have seen this firsthand at Northshore Hospital in Manhasset, when my wife was there recently for knee replacement. My wife and I have felt safer with what’s happening with so many mass murders.
Now on July 2, this program has been implemented at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park. These guards will carry 9mm handguns, which will be carried by highly trained professionals, who are former and current law enforcements officers and licensed to carry a firearm in New York.
In the last six months my wife has been treated at both facilities. Upon entering to visit, I had to be checked in and I had to submit a picture identification that was photographed. I was given a pass and had to go to a guard where the bar code would let me in and the guard then would let me pass.
I believe this technology should make us safer. So let me praise Northwell Health for instituting this program to all their hospitals.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Glen Oaks Village
