Healthcare technology specialist, The Wandsworth Group, has joined forces with IMI (Integrated Medical Interiors) to provide the IP capabilities, KNX integration and nursecall system for the revolutionary new IMI ‘Pod’.
Fabricated off site for fast and hassle-free installation, the modular IMI Pod has been developed to offer hospitals a bespoke, plug-and-play interior unit with all the required technology and facilities pre-installed. Enabling hospitals to custom-specify the patient environment and fast track installation, the ‘pod’ includes the complete electrical installation with integrated medical trunking, including medical gases, power, IT, nursecall and lighting controls. Available in 100 standard colours and a wide range of standard sizes, the pods also include varied storage areas and both patient and medical lighting.
The Wandsworth Group’s IPiN fully IP-based nursecall system is built into the IMI pods and this provides each pod with a TCP/IP infrastructure which can then be used to integrate other TCP/IP technologies, both now and in the future. These include Wandsworth’s new IPiN Everywhere wireless patient and staff tracking system which works with the IPiN nursecall to provide real time data for unique user IDs and precise locations. The IPiN system pre-installed in the pod can also be integrated with Wandsworth’s new Nursefinder app, which offers IPiN functionality via integration with an Android smart phone. As the exclusive UK distributor of Jung KNX controls, the company has also devised an interface between the IP network and the KNX controls, enabling the patient to control lighting and blinds in their own environment via dedicated buttons on the IPiN handset.
In addition to the IPiN nursecall system and source to destination IP network, Wandsworth has also supplied all the KNX controls for the new IMI Pods. The company has also created a ‘Smart Box’ containment system for all the electronics which is integrated into the structure of the unit, avoiding the need for any services upgrades in the ceiling voids during retrofit installations, thereby removing the disruption and infection control risks that this can create.
Comments managing director of The Wandsworth Group, Gary Stevens: “Our IPiN nursecall system has become a market leader in the healthcare sector because it combines the flexibility of a wireless system with the reliability of a dedicated IP network and wide-ranging integration possibilities. The IMI Pod takes all those advantages to the next level, offering an out-of-the-box complete solution that will drastically reduce the time and disruption inherent in hospital fit outs and refurbishments while providing a state-of-the-art patient environment. By selecting Wandsworth as their partner in this, IMI has future-proofed the concept, ensuring that new elements can be added as and when TCP/IP technologies become available.”
Andrew Bissel from IMI added: “Off-site pre-fabrication can reduce the cost and programme length of any build programme, both critical considerations in a healthcare environment. We wanted to work with partners that had already pioneered a ground breaking approach in the healthcare sector and Wandsworth has the experience to enhance our concept and ensure that it will continue to develop over time.”
For further information contact Clare Moody on 0161 707 0992 or email clare@clarecomms.co.uk.