Monday 30 January 2012

New technology helping hearing impaired patients

New technology is helping hearing impaired patients attending appointments at Nottingham University Hospitals NUH Trust’s (NUH) Ropewalk House.

Ropewalk House provides a number of outpatient services including audiology services.

Patients can now book into clinics using a touch-screen kiosk rather than having to tell reception staff. The system then informs the audiologist that the patient has arrived for their appointment as well as bringing their details up on the audiologist’s computer.

When the audiologist is ready to see the patient they can use the system to call them. A screen mounted on the wall in the patient reception area flashes the patient’s name as well as sounding a loud noise.

The new system has improved communication and privacy for patients as well as increased efficiencies for reception staff.

William Brassington, Audiology Consultant, said: “The new kiosk system is just one way that NUH is delivering its pledge to patients that they feel cared for, safe and confident in their treatment.

“Communication between reception staff and hearing impaired patients can be difficult and frustrating for patients. In addition, calling patients through to appointment has required staff to call out or physically go and make patients aware that they are needed.
“The new system is more efficient for staff, clearer and more easily understood by patients.”

The kiosk system has been provided by British firm Jayex Technology Limited.

ENDS