PATIENTS and nurses are ringing in the new $110,000 integrated call system at the Millicent and District Hospital.
The sophisticated call management system sends patient calls to designated staff pagers and displays messages on an LED monitor in the nurses station, ward, surgery and a large part of Sheoak Lodge.
The system, which provides medical staff with the exact patient location, features a unique setting to inform staff in case of emergencies.
Millicent and District Hospital director of nursing Michelle de Wit said Country Health SA prioritised funding to replace the call bell system following a number of repairs to the existing system in the last two years.
“The call bell system is an important part of the way we provide care to the residents of Sheoak Lodge,” she said.
“It enables residents, family members and other visitors to press a button to call a nurse or aged care worker for assistance.
“This is especially important at night to ensure that staff are quickly alerted when help is required anywhere in the building.”
The upgraded technology will allow medical staff to answer calls through mobile phone-like devices from wherever they are in the hospital, thereby improving speed and efficiency in their response.
Acting nurse unit manager Caroline Dower said the upgrades would facilitate maximum patient communication and streamline
clinical workflow.
“The new system notifies staff of the exact room and bed number of the call on the display panel and through an alert tone,” she said.
“In emergency situations, there is a change of the tone to a siren which will allow staff to respond more efficiently.
“It is an evolution from the previous system we had and uses more advanced technology.”
The new call system features a number of elements to enhance current call communication, including new glow in the dark nurse call buttons.
“The illuminated patient controller is beneficial because patients can readily locate the call bell in the dark,” she said.
“The system is also connected to the ambulance and front section and lets staff know if someone wants to come in after hours.”
