Cedar Rapids hospitals clarify weapons-free policy; UIHC plans no changes

CEDAR RAPIDS – Visitors to  Cedar Rapids hospitals will be reminded that weapons are not allowed inside, but no signs will be posted at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Mercy Medical Center and St. Luke's Hospital will post signs in the coming week, reminding everyone of their ongoing prohibition against weapons of any kind.

That prohibition extends to clinics, hospital campuses and parking lots.

In Iowa City, UI Hospitals and Clinics plans no changes, spokesman Tom Moore said.

No signs are posted and none are planned, he said.

“We didn't need to change anything,” Moore said, citing a university-wide policy. “Guns are not allowed on our campus.”

The Cedar Rapids hospitals issued a joint statement Tuesday, reiterating their long-standing policy.

“This is just a clarification of our policy,” said Ted Allbee, manager of St. Luke's Safety and Security. “We want our visitors to understand they are entering a safe environment. That means no tobacco products or weapons.”

With the exception of law enforcement, the ban includes handguns, rifles, shotguns or other firearms, knives, bombs or any other device designed to inflict injury on hospital premises.

“We take steps every day to provide the safest possible environment for our patients, visitors and employees, said Rod McCool, Mercy's Director of Security. “Our weapons policy is just one part of that overall commitment to safety.”

Sarah Corizzo, spokeswoman for St. Luke's, and Mercy spokeswoman Karen Vander Sanden both said that no one has tried to challenge the prohibition, but the signs will be posted because of recent changes in Iowa's law.