Patient Watch
- Trained in Mental Health First Aid and non-violent crisis intervention
- Specialized support in certified mental health environments
- 24/7 supervision for at-risk patients in hospital and care settings
Hospital & Healthcare Security
Security that understands care
Patient watch, emergency department security and high-alert observation for hospitals and long-term care, delivered calmly and alongside your clinical teams.
What we provide
Specialized support for healthcare settings
When patients are at risk of violence or self-harm, or need close supervision, Sentry provides trained officers who protect patients, staff and visitors while supporting care.
Emergency Department & High-Alert Observation
- Trained officers for emergency room security
- High-alert observation for patients at risk of harm
- Support for patients awaiting mental health assessment
Hospital Security
- Help with patient movement, monitoring and safety compliance
- Security presence for units that need risk mitigation and professional oversight
- Working with healthcare staff to reduce incidents and support care teams
Partnership with CBRP & NSHA
The IPTA Transfer Program
Under the Involuntary Patient Treatment Act, police must bring an individual to a healthcare facility and stay until a psychiatric professional completes an assessment. That can take 24 to 48 hours, taking officers away from patrol and emergency response.
Sentry approached Cape Breton Regional Police (CBRP) with a solution, developed together with the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA): once the individual arrives, our specially trained staff take over on-site security. They manage patient safety, monitor behaviour and support healthcare personnel during the wait.
In place for over two years, the model has proven highly successful. It has saved thousands of hours of police time for frontline duty while keeping the healthcare environment safe and controlled.
- 24–48 hrs
- Typical wait for assessment, now covered by Sentry staff
- 2+ yrs
- In place with CBRP and NSHA
- 1,000s
- Hours of police time returned to the community
This approach has been instrumental in addressing inefficiencies and ensuring a smoother process for all stakeholders involved.
Designed with Nova Scotia Health
Scrub uniforms that calm, not alarm
Traditional security uniforms can trigger anxiety or agitation, particularly among patients with dementia. Sentry developed a scrub-style uniform that bridges the gap between authoritative security attire and the needs of sensitive healthcare environments.
The softer, care-oriented look promotes calm and supports de-escalation while staying fully functional for security work.
Introduced in 2023, the design is now requested across most Nova Scotia Health facilities.
Training
Trained for healthcare, not just security
Every officer on a healthcare assignment completes specialized training in patient care techniques and de-escalation.
- Mental Health First Aid
- Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA)
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
- Managing of Aggressive Behaviour (MOAB)
- Use of Force
- Mental Health & Addictions / Trauma-Informed Care
- Certified Dementia Certificate (Government of Canada)
- Emergency First Aid & CPR
Mental Health & Addictions / Trauma-Informed Care is a training course exclusively designed and delivered by Lydia McIsaac, RN, BScN, Senior Mental Health Education and Practice Consultant, Sentry Security.
Trusted by care teams
Part of the care team
Patient watches are managed with professionalism and empathy, ensuring safety and support for everyone involved.
Breton Ability Centre
What began as 24-hour supervision for one individual became a care-centred role: our staff joined care-team meetings, contributed to behaviour management strategies and supported de-escalation through relationship-building. That model now shapes how we work in long-term care and Nova Scotia Health settings.
Read the full storyOur sister division
Need a patient sitter instead?
For one-to-one companionship, mobility and feeding support, Sentry Security Health Services provides trained, compassionate sitters.
Contact us
Secure your business today Let's talk about patient support
Tell us what you need protected and we'll get back to you with a free consultation, usually within one business day. Whether it's hospital sitting, long-term care support or help at home, tell us about the patient and we'll be in touch shortly.
-
Phone902-574-3276
-
Office hoursMon–Fri, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
24/7 emergency security available