Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has installed Traka’s intelligent key management system to improve the efficiency and security of key processes for staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
More than half a million patients are treated by Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust a year. In its most recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) review, it was rated as “Outstanding” for overall quality and leadership. And continues a shared objective to deliver care that connects organisations within systems and partnerships.
Key management from the main reception area was identified as an issue impacting time and resources, where too much reliance was placed on manual processes, especially out of hours.
Says Liam Topham, Security Manager at Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust: “Hospitals such as Kingston present a complex security challenge. With 48 different buildings covering a large site, and many keys in operation, it was becoming a challenge for our already busy reception area to manage and ensure their safe return, especially at staff handovers.
“We needed a smarter solution that was simple to operate and quick to respond, with no disruption to the hospital running. Traka presented standalone resources designed to meet the hospital’s specific needs with excellent technical support. The added security benefit is the audit control with alerts sent to our security teams if keys haven’t been returned. The cabinet has been well received, and staff are especially happy with the saved time.”
Kingston Hospital has installed Traka’s intelligent key cabinet, accommodating 50 keys to operate across the hospital. With specialist software allowing for central management control, a full audit trail is available of all key transactions. This has already saved the reception area time and resources allocated to key management, allowing more focus on patient experience.
Ben Farrar, Traka Market Development Manager, added: “From a patient’s point of view, hospitals are an open facility, where healthcare is provided and family and friends can support those recovering. Behind the scenes, for staff, patients and visitors, security measures need to be put into place to maintain this atmosphere and minimise any risk of time delays to patient care.
“Within Kingston’s security portfolio, the adaptability of the Traka technology allowed us to work with the Security team to supply a bespoke solution. Not only can the systems look to enhance key management across the site, but also improve communications, operations and workflow. The audit trail capability adds to better management of keys, and this all combines to operate 24 / 7 / 365 for the ongoing benefit and security of all staff, patients and visitors.”