Smart Lockers: Integral in Healthcare Technology
Kay Tilbury
Dealing with the Healthcare and Emergency Services sector for many years, LapSafe®’s Smart Lockers issue devices, pharmaceuticals, confidential paperwork, and medical equipment to staff at any time of day or night without staff intervention.
It is unthinkable to divorce healthcare provision from technology advancements. Progressively, iPads and tablets replace the clipboard on doctors’ rounds, while nursing staff use laptops and tablets to collate patient information.
Many welcome the replacement of the desktop computer with portable devices but IT managers recognise the problems of securely, charging and performing software updates on multiple devices. Both NHS and private healthcare establishments have a duty to safeguard not only confidential patient information but also their IT investment.
Over the years, we have supported an array of healthcare organisations with their IT asset management and continue to build a strong portfolio. By producing one of the most powerful Smart Lockers to date, and supported by our highly intelligent management software, ONARKEN®, our Smart Lockers can automate routine tasks, saving a significant amount of time for healthcare professionals, all whilst enhancing security measures and maximising patient satisfaction.
We have rounded up some of our top healthcare customers who have successfully implemented our Smart Lockers into their infrastructure and are using the device loaning and drop-off & collect services:
- Prince Alexander Hospital Trust (PAHT) – across five sites.
- Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board – across three sites.
- East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust – across two sites.
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust – four Smart Lockers around the hospital.
- University Hospitals of Derby and Burton – across both sites.
- Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust – across both sites.
Supporting Face-Paced Environments by Automating Routine Tasks
Check out some of the key services that have been supporting healthcare professionals.
Automated Healthcare Devices
Smart Lockers provide healthcare professionals with 24/7 access to devices, through an efficient self-service process.
Devices are stored and charged in volume within the Smart Lockers. When required, devices are quickly deployed via an easy-to-use touch-screen terminal and access is granted with an array of secure identification methods.
This process reduces workforce, increases device security, enhances productivity, and creates a seamless procedure for loaning devices. Devices can also be connected to the network, enabling monitoring and updates to be conducted simultaneously and remotely.
Automated Healthcare Equipment
Healthcare Professionals can now save time by loaning medical equipment via a Smart Locker. Blood pressure machines, heart monitors, glucose monitors, and much more can be secured inside the Smart Lockers ready for patients to use in a self-service style.
The patient will be directed to a designated Smart Locker, enter their unique security code, and the equipment is free to use. Once the patient has finished with the item, the device can then be returned to the locker ready for the next patient.
Providing patients with a self-service option allows healthcare professionals to use their valuable time more efficiently and allows the patient to gain more control, speed, and privacy.
Securely Exchange Private Documents
Due to the fast-paced, busy schedule of a healthcare professional, a simple exchange of paperwork can sometimes be challenging and time-consuming. Paperwork can quickly be left within a secure, intelligent locker, ready for administration to collect and file. On the other hand, the administration team can leave any paperwork the healthcare professional may need in the Smart Locker for them to simply collect at the start of their shift.
This process provides a quicker, more organised system whilst adding extra security to confidential documents.
Enhanced Security on Restrictive Medication
Certain controlled drugs have policies in place to ensure they are locked away more safely and securely. A Smart Locker provides all the essential requirements to ensure these policies are adhered to; a variety of secure locking methods means these drugs can only be accessed when the user has been given permission.
Permissions can be controlled and granted, through LapSafe®’s unique cloud-based Smart Locker software, ONARKEN® and a full audit trail is available.
Whilst automating these routine tasks was an easy decision for our healthcare customers, they also had to consider many other factors, such as the migration into existing third-party software, safe charging, hygiene standards, and environmental impact. Here, are some of the key elements that made LapSafe® their chosen brand.
Software Integrations - With full integration with many NHS software platforms, our powerful, cloud-based management software, ONARKEN®, can help deliver a seamless and fully automated service, saving time and money.
Intelligent Smart Charging - We developed our unique charging system that uses sophisticated electronics, efficient power supplies and intelligence to fully manage power from the plug socket to the charging tip. This comprehensive system ensures that power is delivered intelligently and safely protecting users and devices. Check out our ‘Smart Charging’ blog for more information.
Electrical Safety - As a manufacturer dedicated to enhancing the safety and reliability of our Smart Lockers, we have implemented several advanced mitigation strategies to address the identified risks associated with charging devices with lithium-ion batteries. Find out more in our ‘Advanced Safety’ blog.
Hygiene Standards – We use antimicrobial paint on our solutions, a type of paint that is designed to kill bacteria and other microbes and is easy to wipe clean. Perfect for hospitals or clinical areas.
Environmental Impact - Through our conscious material choices, durable products, energy-efficient technology, and adherence to international standards, our operations are aligned with the highest sustainability benchmarks. Read more in our ‘Green Approach’ blog post.
Do not Miss Out on A Smart Locker Demo!
Next month you will find us at the Emergency Tech Show between 18th - 19th of September 2024 and HETT between 24th - 25th September where we will be showcasing our all-in-one Diplomat™ Pro Smart Locker.
Thinking of investing in a Smart Locker?
Use our Contact Form to get in touch with our friendly team, they’ll be able to discuss the best solution for your organisation and provide demonstrations. If you’d like to delve more into our solutions, visit our Smart Locker page.