LEXINGTON, Ky. (WMDJ) — Appalachian Regional Healthcare is beginning a systemwide rollout of new security screening technology as part of a multimillion-dollar investment in hospital safety.

Beckley ARH Hospital received the first system Monday, followed Tuesday by Summers County ARH Hospital and Tug Valley ARH Regional Medical Center. Hazard and Highlands ARH Regional Medical Centers were scheduled for installation Wednesday.

ARH says the technology will help trained security personnel identify firearms, knives and other prohibited items while allowing most people to move through screening at a normal pace without routinely emptying their pockets or removing everyday items.

The systems will eventually screen employees, patients and visitors entering through equipped hospital entrances.

ARH says the rollout is part of a security initiative developed over nearly two years. Additional hospitals and other security measures will be added over the coming months.