Denver Health expands RFID to 1.5 million square feet

HealthLeaders News Brief, October 9, 2007

InnerWireless 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 formerly known as PanGo, in response to the hospital's need for real-time asset tracking that would integrate with its Cisco wireless network.

"With RTLS, we can quickly and efficiently find our equipment," according to statement issued by 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.