For nearly 20 years, the Versus real-time locating system (RTLS) has helped similar hospitals solve the all-too-common dilemmas stemming from not being able to find equipment. When equipment isn't tracked, nurses worry that it may not be available when they need it, so they hide it in a storage closet. Other times, certain pieces of equipment are in near-constant use (making it hard to service the equipment), while another piece sits forgotten in a storage closet.

Real-time asset tracking eliminates the need to hoard equipment by making it easy to locate equipment when it is needed. Additionally, knowing equipment utilization rates allows hospitals to study rental, purchasing and equipment allotment needs. By monitoring equipment locations, service schedules (e.g. preventative maintenance and warranty expirations) as well as resource requirements throughout the facility rather than on a unit-by-unit basis, hospitals are able to reduce excess and create equipment sharing models.

Cost savings when using the Versus enterprise locating and event automation solution are tremendous and repeatable. In fact, a recent University of Maryland study found that hospitals could save an average of $4 million annually just by making communication more effective. Versus automates communication, including location-based and time-based alerts (e.g. patient is in wrong room or has been waiting too long) and notification of provider/patient interaction, to help hospitals understand not only where patients and resources are, but where they've been and need to be -- all without walking surveys or phone calls. With automated communication, Versus' customers are:

• Experiencing zero loss of tagged assets
• Delivering equipment to patients 96% faster
• Sustaining PM rates above the 95th percentile
• Eliminating thousands of dollars in lost equipment charges

In this economic environment, where hospitals are being told that they'll have to cut $2.6 million per year for the next 10 years, it's important to know that Versus offers a solution to recoup time and money, while increasing communication and productivity and reducing health safety risks.

In fact, the Versus solution has already assisted Union Hospital in providing safe patient care by reporting the location of their spot vital machines, many of which were recently recalled. With a simple Versus report, Union Hospital located all recalled units, leaving the service representative for the spot vital machines wishing all hospitals had the Versus asset tracking solution.

Paul Timmerman, Versus' VP notes, "Union understands the value and benefits that result from real-time locating systems and has chosen to begin accumulating time and cost savings in relation to asset tracking. With the Versus solution in place, the hospital can easily extend accurate locating to patients and staff when and where needed."

By Robert Hoskins

Click here for more 802.11 News