WakeMed Implements Smartphone System, Improves Patient Experience

RALEIGH, N.C. (December 11, 2013) – WakeMed Health & Hospitals is the first healthcare system in the Carolinas to equip nurses with Voalte’s smartphone communication system. The partnership with Voalte – the leader in clinical communication technology – is part of WakeMed’s commitment to providing the right care at the right time and maximizing the patient experience.

100 Apple iPhones equipped with new technology from Voalte were recently distributed to inpatient nurses at WakeMed Cary Hospital. The iPhones replace the outdated traditional ‘companion’ phones and pagers, enabling nurses to respond quickly to patient needs by making or taking patient-care calls and text messages via a secured device. The phones work only within the WakeMed wireless network and are used only for clinical care.

The move to a single smartphone platform is essential for delivering timely communication and patient-centered care. For example, nurses now receive an alarm or alert via Voalte iPhones with a patient’s room number or care needs in a matter of seconds. Additional benefits include reduced noise levels, decreased wait times, faster call-bell response and more, all of which improve quality, safety and patient satisfaction.

Instead of multiple phone calls and loud overhead pages, quick, efficient text messages and a streamlined device foster a quieter hospital environment for patients along with added assurance that the patient’s needs are being met with immediate response.

“WakeMed Cary Hospital is the first hospital in North and South Carolina to implement this new communication technology,” said David Coulter, senior vice president and administrator of WakeMed Cary Hospital. “As healthcare continues to evolve, being on the forefront of new technology is imperative in helping us provide exceptional care for our patients.”

The iPhones are being piloted at WakeMed Cary Hospital, and the platform is expected to expand to WakeMed Raleigh Campus by summer 2014. Nurses will also be able to access electronic medical records on the secure smartphones after the full implementation of Epic, which is anticipated for 2015.

About WakeMed Health & Hospitals

WakeMed Health & Hospitals is a private, not-for-profit health care organization based in Raleigh, N.C. The 884-bed system comprises a network of health care facilities throughout Wake and Johnston Counties. Centers of excellence include cardiac and vascular care, women’s and children’s services, physical rehab, emergency and trauma, orthopedics, neurosciences, home care and numerous wellness and community outreach programs. WakeMed’s team of 8,500 employees, 1,500 volunteers, more than 1,200 affiliated physicians, and 240 physicians employed by WakeMed Physician Practices serve the residents of North Carolina using the most advanced technologies to ensure the finest in health care. For more information, visit www.wakemed.org.

About Voalte

Voalte is the only company to provide a fully integrated and dependable clinical communication system that healthcare professionals want, enjoy and effectively use. Voalte products are designed to be intuitive, high-value, mission-critical applications running on the latest generation of touch-based smartphones. For more information, visit www.voalte.com or call 941.312.2830.