Transportation Solutions for Hospital Design
Date
July 23, 2018
Imagine a future where we can make electronic hospital appointments, skip waiting in line and book our nearby parking spaces remotely. Upon arrival, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) identifies our vehicle and a variable message sign directs us to the carpark closest to our clinic.
We sign in electronically by “zapping” an icon at the Information Point with our mobile phone which updates the hospital database with the time we checked in. We head to the café for a coffee while we wait, receiving the latest information on our mobile phone regarding updates or delays. ‘Pay-by-Phone’ allows us to extend our parking session without stopping back at the car. Then, when it’s time to make our way to the relevant clinic, we receive a push notification saying that it’s time to go.
Wayfinding directs us to the right location and when we leave the clinic, we “check out” by waving our phone under a scanner, giving the hospital an accurate account of appointment waiting times. As we drive off site ANPR data feeds into a central database, enabling an accurate record of the total time spent on site, and charging for our parking accordingly. Bluetooth technology will identify how we’ve moved around the site and use this information to influence future design and efficiency management.
With health industry technologies being applied to smarter cities and the NHS facing increased pressures, is it time to consider how existing transportation solutions may be applied to the healthcare industry?
Wendy Atkinson is a recognised expert in the development and implementation of operational procedures for highway network management. Since joining IBI in 2010, Wendy has advised clients such as Glasgow City Council and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO), as well as continuing her role as technical advisor to Highways England. She has provided specialist support to Smart Motorway operations and led projects including the Stationary Vehicle Detection Trial and the development of Smart Motorway Driver Information Requirements. Wendy currently coordinates IBI’s work to enhance Highways England’s signalling policy and capability. She is integral to expanding IBI’s services to other highway network managers across the UK and to the emergency services.
IBI Group’s LEAD program is designed to support employees who have the potential and desire to be future leaders within IBI Group; with the goal of assisting participants to learn about themselves, enhance new skills, and develop leadership competencies.
Photo by Oles Kanebckuu on Pexels
