Two hospitals on Long Island now have armed security guards.

In March, Northwell Health began a pilot program allowing some North Shore University Hospital security guards to carry firearms on the job.

Some security officers at Long Island Jewish Medical Center are now doing the same.

The decision was made after last year's fatal shooting of a doctor inside of Bronx Lebanon Hospital and a shooting in the parking lot of Southside Hospital in 2016.

Scott Strauss, Northwell Health’s assistant vice president for security, says the move is a direct response to concerns raised by staff.

“We had employee surveys being done, and town hall meetings, and everyone was asking why don't we have armed security in the buildings,” said Strauss. “If it happened elsewhere, it could happen here.”

Northwell Health says it plans to have armed guards in every one of its hospitals within a year.