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InnerWireless Inc. has announced that Denver Health has expanded its RFID tracking throughout the 1.5 million-square-foot, 477-bed hospital in support of an initiative from hospital administrators to identify and reduce waste. InnerWireless deployed Vision, a real-time location system (RTLS) formerly known as PanGo, in response to the hospital’s need for real-time asset tracking that would integrate with its Cisco Unified Wireless Network and Cisco Wireless Location Appliance.

“With RTLS, we can quickly and efficiently find our equipment,” said Jeff Pelot, chief technology officer of Denver Health. “Our biomedical department uses Vision for equipment maintenance purposes, and central supply can control infusion pump inventory. After seeing the results from tracking equipment in the Pavilion for Women and Children, we decided to use the system hospitalwide. Our ultimate goal is to improve patient safety and enhance the patient experience, and being able to track our equipment throughout the hospital will help us accomplish that.”

Denver Health also is using the technology to track rare, expensive equipment, such as wound vacuums. According to Pelot, wound vacuums can’t be purchased and are usually leased by the day. With InnerWireless’ Vision, Denver Health can locate and track expensive, critical equipment with the Cisco wireless infrastructure and the Cisco Wireless Location Appliance to make better informed leasing and purchasing decisions.

“Location and management can improve timely delivery of care and reduce staff time spent looking for misplaced hospital equipment. It also assists biomedical engineering staff in locating equipment for scheduling preventive maintenance, repair and replacement,” said Vi Shaffer, Research vice president at Gartner Inc.

“It’s rewarding to work with a hospital like Denver Health that embraces emerging technology and uses it creatively to solve complex problems,” said Michael Campbell, senior vice president of Corporate Development for InnerWireless. “RTLS holds tremendous potential for the healthcare industry, and InnerWireless is committed to supporting our customers as they use RTLS and other location services to meet clinical and financial objectives while enhancing the overall patient experience.”

“Cisco’s Unified Wireless Network and Location Appliance allows organizations to use their wireless network to include location services and gain real-time visibility into how they can improve patient care, optimize business processes, manage valuable assets, and ultimately operate more efficiently,” said Ben Gibson, director of Mobility Solutions, Cisco. “Having the ability to track assets and resources using real-time location services is a critical competitive advantage for Denver Health because it allows the organization to maximize the use of valuable medical equipment and assist with workflow automation and inventory management.”