29.12.2014 Views

Colac Area Health Annual and Quality of Care Report 2009

Colac Area Health Annual and Quality of Care Report 2009

Colac Area Health Annual and Quality of Care Report 2009

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

Information <strong>and</strong> Communication<br />

Technology<br />

2008/09 has been a year <strong>of</strong> progress with several<br />

new Information Technology (IT) projects being<br />

introduced <strong>and</strong> implemented at <strong>Colac</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Health</strong><br />

(CAH).<br />

One <strong>of</strong> the more visible changes is the ongoing<br />

redevelopment to CAH’s Internet site, accessible<br />

at www.colacareahealth.com.au. The site sports a<br />

fresh new look with a redesigned user interface,<br />

including drop-down menus <strong>and</strong> CAH-matching<br />

colour scheme. New categories currently being<br />

developed include “Babies”, where we will show<br />

<strong>of</strong>f new arrivals born at CAH. We would welcome<br />

feedback on the new site design so we can<br />

continue to improve our communication with the<br />

wider community.<br />

Wireless technology continues to have exp<strong>and</strong>ed<br />

use at CAH. The percentage <strong>of</strong> wireless devices<br />

has increased substantially over the past twelve<br />

months as wireless becomes more popular <strong>and</strong><br />

opportunities to improve existing business<br />

processes become apparent. Included are<br />

innovations such as small wireless laptops, which<br />

allow certain staff members in the field access into<br />

the CAH network using Telstra’s NextG wireless.<br />

Not only does this add to productivity, but allows<br />

staff access to up-to-date client information<br />

prevents potential errors.<br />

The IT equipment list continues to grow, with<br />

around 240 computers/laptops employed at the<br />

Service. The number <strong>of</strong> staff access to email has<br />

remained relatively stable at 460, meaning that<br />

CAH is progressing towards its goal <strong>of</strong> a 60% staffcomputer<br />

ratio.<br />

Last year reported that CAH has been participating<br />

in an innovative project to supply bedside<br />

entertainment to the client. The BEST system<br />

(Bedside Entertainment System Technology)<br />

has now matured to the point where it is in “go<br />

live” form <strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong>fers, for a small fee, access to the<br />

following features:<br />

• Television (Free to air, Austar)<br />

• Large selection <strong>of</strong> streaming movies<br />

• Large selection <strong>of</strong> streaming video music clips<br />

• The Internet<br />

• Games<br />

• Audio books<br />

The system is installed into the 43 Acute <strong>Care</strong> Unit<br />

beds <strong>and</strong> the 7 Day Surgery Unit beds.<br />

Later in <strong>2009</strong> we will see the completion <strong>of</strong> a<br />

number <strong>of</strong> exciting new projects, including -<br />

Q-Pulse <strong>Quality</strong> Information Management System<br />

– this system will have a number <strong>of</strong> benefits to CAH<br />

including:<br />

• Document Management System – to replace<br />

CAH’s ageing folder/file structure<br />

• Correspondence tracking – any correspondence<br />

will be managed, tracked <strong>and</strong> actioned much<br />

more effectively<br />

• Effective complaints process<br />

• Integrated asset tracking process <strong>and</strong> contracts<br />

management<br />

• Streamlined preventative maintenance system<br />

CAH will also be reactivating an Acute Wardbased<br />

system called Trendcare, which will<br />

streamline a number <strong>of</strong> existing processes into<br />

one system, including rostering <strong>and</strong> enhanced<br />

bed management. Eventually it is envisaged that<br />

Trendcare will replace <strong>and</strong> augment other systems.<br />

R<strong>and</strong>all Hose<br />

Manager<br />

Information <strong>and</strong> Communication Technology<br />

50 <strong>Colac</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Health</strong>

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!