Mobile patient files a time-saver for doctors

A high-tech wireless laptop being tested by South Auckland's KidzFirst hospital has slashed the time doctors spend chasing up patient files.

The laptop, which has been in use for almost six weeks, is moved from bed to bed on a trolley. It operates remotely, by sending a signal to a transmitter on the corridor wall of the children's ward. The transmitter connects the laptop to the hospital computer network, allowing doctors and nurses instant access to patient records.

The wireless laptop has proved most useful during ward rounds, where doctors are able to easily move between patients, calling up x-rays, letters from GPs and consultation notes at the bedside.

Digital images of x-rays and other patient information can be input to South Auckland's computer network from inside the hospital or from computers based at other centres, including the Manakau Super Clinic.

KidzFirst head of paediatrics Wendy Walker said the computer had proved a great asset.

She said staff often wasted a lot of time chasing up patient information, which could now be instantly accessed at the touch of a button.

"It's really marvellous," she said, "much more efficient."