News

July 28, 2014

MHS wins ITAC Award

Leigh Parker accepts the Best Implementation Award – ($5M-$30M) at ITAC 2014

Moyne Health Services has taken out a national award for an innovative project that has revolutionised communications at its Port Fairy campus. The service’s integration of Vocera technology with its Nursecall system has totally transformed the way staff, patients and aged care residents communicate with each other. The project has resulted in two-way wireless communication between people from anywhere on the campus.
Moyne Health Services Chief Executive Officer David Lee said the service was thrilled with its win in the Aged Care IT Awards 2014, run by the Aged Care IT Council and Aged and Community Services Australia.

“The win demonstrates just how much a small, regional healthcare service can achieve despite limited resources,” he said.

“The project has been a huge hit with our staff and aged care residents, and has really made a difference to how we operate on a day-to-day basis.”

MHS Corporate Support Services Executive Director Leigh Parker accepted the award when it was presented at the 7th Annual Information Technology in Aged Care Conference in Hobart earlier this week. The Aged Care IT Awards are held annually and recognise organisations that use information technology to improve business and health outcomes in the Australian aged and community care environment.

“The integration of the very powerful Vocera software with our Nursecall system really was a communications revolution for the organisation,” Mr Parker said.

“It has transformed how we work and how we communicate with our residents and patients. The system’s capabilities are extraordinary and the way we have integrated it into existing systems is unique for such a small regional healthcare provider.”

Under the new communications system, staff members wore a Vocera badge around their necks that allows instant, hands-free wireless communication with each other, residents and patients.

Staff members can also locate one another, answer phone calls and send emails from their Vocera badges.

Mr Parker said the new system has improved staff efficiencies, reduced maintenance and repair costs associated with the old system, and has also provided improved telecommunications services to Belfast House and Moyneyana House residents including Wi-Fi and new phones with no line rental costs.

“Not only that, there have been so many qualitative outcomes of the project including an improved sense of wellbeing and peace-of-mind for aged care residents and improved staff morale,” he said.

“It’s been a great outcome for us and the ITAC award is the icing on the cake.”