Link: <a title="webitpr – online press release distribution and monitoring" href="http://www.webitpr.com/release_detail.asp?ReleaseID=4192">RBHSC news release</a>.
Worldwide Solutions have implemented the rather futuristic looking Vocera Communications System for the staff of The Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. The news release explains it thus:
<blockquote cite="http://www.webitpr.com/release_detail.asp?ReleaseID=4192"><p>Seventy-five healthcare staff working in RBHSC’s Barbour Ward will use the Vocera solution, which simplifies communication processes through a combination of the Vocera System Software and Vocera Communications Badges.
The badge, weighing less than 2 ounces, can be clipped to a shirt pocket or collar, or worn on a lanyard, enabling instant, hands-free voice communication.
By simply pressing a button on the badge and asking the system to call by name, title, or function, staff will be instantly connected to the resources or colleagues they need anywhere in the hospital’s wireless environment.</p></blockquote>
I was wondering what these badges looked like so borrowed this image from the Vocera site. Here is a friendly looking doctor wearing a Vocera wireless badge. You just click the button and talk. I like it.
You know, if I’ve been rushed to hospital in no small amount of pain and the junior doctor looking at my wound in horror, I want them to be able to find the right person immediately. So if that means the junior doc saving a few minutes or seconds by NOT having to sit and look up the relevant person in the phone directory THEN place the call and THEN get the person’s voicemail… bring it on.
This looks like a smart application of technology to me.
As long as it works well! I checked out the Vocera video demo on their site (linked on the home page – ‘view demo’) which is worth a look. I just can’t help wondering if I was given one, if the system would have a problem understanding my semi Scottish accent.
Mobile phones are not allowed in hospitals because of radiation and EMF interfence to equipment. So i am fascinated to know how this EMF will not affect patients and staff?