GE’s Hospital Communications Platform
Earlier this year, GE launched its CARESCAPE portfolio, "an integrated suite of patient monitoring devices, communications networks and IT systems designed to transform traditional patient monitoring data into clinical intelligence." GE argues this platform gives providers an integrated suite of technology and communications devices to increase patient care.
As GE explains in its announcement earlier this week, there was a potential problem :
Historically, the use of mobile phones in hospitals has been limited due to unreliable wireless support and the risk of interference between wireless phones and medical equipment.
The solution: partner with Sprint to deliver a seamless, integrated in-hospital communications network:
The new in-building cellular communications network from GE Healthcare and Sprint’s Custom Network Solution (CNS) team leverages GE’s CARESCAPE™ Enterprise Access™, a single, universal wireless platform powered by MobileAccess, and includes Sprint handsets. This solution will provide hospitals with a comprehensive platform for voice and data communications over secure cellular, Wi-Fi and telemetry infrastructure that requires only one installation. Using the combined offering, clinicians, patients and hospital visitors can communicate more efficiently and with ease.
“Sprint CNS provides scalable coverage and a high-capacity platform for wireless voice and data services on the Sprint National Network and Nextel National Network, enhancing the mobility and productivity of staff at hospitals and other businesses,” says Darlene Braunschweig, vice president of CNS at Sprint. “We are very excited to partner with GE Healthcare to provide differentiated and innovative mobile solutions that are critical for every business. This new solution facilitates constant communication of secure information amongst hospital staff; an aspect very critical to patient care.”
This is another layer in GE’s hospital communications drive. GE, in partnership with NBC and AMERICOM, has been offering the Patient Channel to subscribing hospitals, delivering medical and patient care programming for years. Now, GE, in partnership with iVillage.com, has launched the Newborn Channel.
