Patients at King George Hospital may have started to notice something different this week, as we’ve begun to roll out some exciting new technology onto our wards.

We’re introducing a new software system, VitalPac, which allows our staff to record patient observations at the bedside on iPod touch devices.

These devices replace our existing paper charts so our nurses and doctors no longer need to write down observations.

This will also make our care safer for our patients as information is recorded more quickly and accurately in real-time, so it’s always up-to-date. It boasts an early warning system which helps to identify high-risk patients more easily, and can even remind our staff to take observations when they’re due.

Our pilot started on Dahlia ward this week and it will be rolled out to all our wards first at King George Hospital, and then at Queen’s Hospital later this year.

So if you think your doctor or nurse is sending a text when they’re standing at your bedside, they’re actually taking down your observations! If you’d like to find out more, feel free to ask them about it.