Patients at the north-east’s flagship hospital could soon be taking their own vital readings in futuristic “pods”.
A variety of new plans are in place to increase hygiene standards and maintain social distancing at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, and now NHS Grampian is on the hunt for a contractor to install more modern equipment.
Among the new kit that could be installed are self check-in machines.
Patients would arrive themselves for their scheduled appointments or admissions and update a scheduling system with their “arrived” status. Several health centres already operate a similar machine in their reception areas.
NHS Grampian is also looking for a solution to allow clinicians to “call” patients from their clinic room via use of technology.
Finally, audio and visual displays on waiting room screens will be used to inform patients when they are required to enter a clinical area – and what room they are required to go to..
Health chiefs are also investigating the possibility of installing “observation pods” which would allow patients to take their own vital readings – which would then be logged in “real time” into their electronic clinic record.
The vital readings will include height, weight and blood pressure.
The health board believes the measures would be in place for five years.
Hardware, software and support services will all be required under the two proposals.
The public contract states that the “provider should be well experienced in providing this type of service in a similar health board”.
A spokesman for NHS Grampian said: “Self check-in and next patient call systems are planned for the Baird Family Hospital, Anchor Centre and Elective Care Centre projects.
“These buildings have been planned with these systems in mind, with the intention of using technology to bring benefits to patients and staff.
“The observation pods, which will feature in the Elective Care Centre, will allow patients increased privacy when confirming personal information and will allow patients to record their height, weight and blood pressure by themselves prior to meeting with a clinician.
“The self check-in system in all three buildings will allow patients a quick and easy way to register their attendance as well as minimising time spent in queues. The benefits to staff will include optimising the time they can spend supporting any patients who are unable to use this new development and generally, improve patient experience and time spent in the department.”
