Ambulances freed up as new hi-tech system
Ambulance crews can now spend less time transferring patients into A&E thanks to a new computer system.
Computer terminals have been installed in ambulances and at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, which allow crews to alert hospital staff when patients are en-route and give an estimated time of arrival.
The system allows for a quicker and more efficient handover at the hospital, improving the experience for the patient and freeing up ambulances to attend the next emergency.
Georgie Cole, project manager for South Central Ambulance Service, said: 'South Central Ambulance Service has been working closely with Queen Alexandra Hospital since November last year and the partnership has been a fantastic success.
'This initiative has radically reduced the amount of time that our ambulance crews spend at the emergency department, freeing them up ready for the next emergency call.
'Huge credit is due to the management and staff at Queen Alexandra Hospital to make this rapid improvement.'
The new alert system has been running for the last month.
The hospital and ambulance trust say they have already seen significant improvements, with patient handover times being reduced by 35 per cent compared to 2008/09, and further reductions expected in the future.
The new system also enables staff in A&E to plan for a patient's arrival to ensure space is available in the most appropriate place in the hospital.
Maria Purse, emergency pathway manager at QA hospital, said: 'The new technology has certainly enabled us to be more proactive when receiving patients in the emergency department and has led to a better experience for the patient.
'The implementation process has gone very well and there has been great support throughout the hospital and with the partnership between the trust and South Central Ambulance Service.
'The system undoubtedly benefits our patients.
'It enables our emergency department staff to provide a smoother handover process meaning ambulance crews can get out on the road more quickly and we can get the patient into the hospital and in the most appropriate place for treatment.'
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Friday 25 May 2012
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