Category: 3.3. Electronic display systems
The Hamilton Practice in Harlow, Essex has some 9,500 patients. It found that it was losing valuable surgery time, adding up to hours over the week, because patients failed to hear their names being called out by the receptionist in a busy waiting room, or they couldn’t find their way to the consulting room. Hard-of-hearing patients struggled in particular.
To deal with these issues, the practice decided to introduce an electronic patient calling system in 2003. Hamilton chose an LED screen manufactured by Jayex Technology Ltd. LED screens are cheaper than the more sophisticated LCD/plasma screens. They use red dot lettering on a black background and additional health alerts and messages can be programmed to flash across the bottom of the screen. Doctors, nurses and other health professionals control the screen from their consulting rooms, calling patients through their computers. The patient’s name and the consulting room then flash across the LED screen, which is visible to all patients.
Receptionists no longer have to call out patients’ names and are free to carry on with other duties, while the doctors save time between consultations. ‘It was quite a big investment to consider at the time but we felt, on balance, that it would pay for itself in a few years. With the time it has saved – and time is money – it has obviously proved to be excellent value, and patient satisfaction has improved beyond measure,’ says Practice Manager George Shields.
‘A few minutes saved here or there makes an hour or two during the week for each doctor,’ George adds. Only a small amount of initial training is required.
George Shields, 01279 645094
george.shields@nhs.net
