Category: 3.3. Electronic display systems
When the Victoria Medical Centre in London moved to a new state-of-the-art building two years ago, the practice wanted to introduce technology to match.
With premises spread over two floors and fifteen consulting rooms, the practice needed an efficient patient calling system. Previously, doctors would come out of their rooms to call patients or reception staff would shout their names. This wasted valuable minutes between consultations and there was sometimes confusion over where patients should go.
To resolve this, the practice decided to install LCD/plasma screens, manufactured by Jayex Technology Ltd. Three 32-inch screens were placed in its large main waiting area and one in a smaller waiting area upstairs. The LCD/plasma screens combine a patient calling system with a health information display facility for patients – displayed in colour and using pictures.
Using a computer interface, doctors can call patients directly from their rooms. The patient’s name flashes up on the screens in the waiting rooms. The practice also makes use of the screens to communicate health messages to patients while they are waiting.
That includes information about flu vaccine or screening campaigns. Once they have received minimal training, reception staff can update the health information that goes on the screens.
Says IT Manager Steve Barlow: ‘The more time the doctors spend on reading notes, writing letters or doing paperwork the better. This system saves them a lot of time. As well as being beneficial, the screens look professional and modern.’
Steve says patients and staff are overwhelmingly pleased with the screens.
Steve Barlow
steve.barlow@nhs.net
