The healthcare of tomorrow: Siemens networks Dutch medical center

Munich, Advanced information and communication technology for the hospital of the 21st century: Siemens implements modern solutions at the Orbis Medical Center in the Netherlands. The project comprises the digitalization of incoming mail, identity and access management including smartcards, the integration of bedside terminals, virtualization of workstations and the establishment of IP networks and IP telephony. The Orbis Medical Center includes the Maasland Hospital, nine clinics and care centers, a psychiatric center, a nursing service and a hospice.

Orbis Medisch en Zorgconcern developed a new concept for healthcare and care of the elderly. All work, treatment and care processes were redefined and adapted to the new concept. The concept required a new and tailored IT landscape which was integrated by Siemens IT Solutions and Services: “Thanks to the ICT architecture, we are now in a position to gear our healthcare processes even more strongly towards our patients. We can provide better healthcare and even save money at the same time,” says Cees Sterk, member of the Managing Board of Orbis medical healthcare group.


Achieving a paperless hospital starts with incoming mail

Until now, business mail at the hospital was transported and distributed by mail van several times a day. This will change with the introduction of DocMA, a tailor-made system for document management and archiving. DocMA simplifies the processing of the hospital’s entire document traffic and related workflows. Incoming letters are captured in digital form by the postal staff and sent to the recipient. This is especially useful for internal documents, where in-house mail is reduced by up to 60 percent. If members of staff need to deal with the business mail, the relevant tasks are marked with a link to the document and forwarded electronically. Additionally, the solution installed by Siemens IT Solutions and Services enables audit-proof documentation and archiving in accordance with ISO standards. This is particularly important for inspection reports, handbooks for medical equipment and work instructions. The current version of such documents is now available at all times. Several users can work together on MS Office documents and it is always guaranteed that they are working on the latest version. It speeds up and controls processes while ensuring that the documents are authentic and up-to-date, and improves efficiency at lower costs.


Reliable access controls and increased security through identity and access management

Each member of staff receives a so-called smartcard, an integral element of identity and access management and a multifunctional key for a wide range of security applications. For the hospital, the all-in-one solution means increased security and user-friendliness, and also ensures audit-proof adherence to data privacy policies. Staff can now access data, applications and services securely, for example electronic patient files, without having to enter an ID or password. After the staff has been identified by the smartcard, they then have access to the resources for which they have been assigned the appropriate authorization. In addition, the system also controls entry into buildings and rooms: access to the intensive care unit, laboratories and x-ray rooms is restricted to authorized personnel. Reliable identification, central administration and automatic authorization assignment increase productivity and security, and at the same time reduce error rates and administration costs.


Bedside terminals are connected to the hospital’s information system

Siemens IT Solutions and Services connects so-called bedside terminals to the existing IT systems. The terminal acts as a control center for patients. From their beds, patients can control the lights and TV, activate the alarm, connect to the internet and view their medical data. Since it is connected to the hospital’s information system, the bedside terminal enables doctors and care personal to access and immediately document the patient’s examination results and important data while at the patient’s bedside. Faster processes result in improved patient care.

The Orbis Medical Center is an example of what healthcare will be like in the future. The modern hospital campus focuses on ICT solutions that simplify medical processes in a sensible and beneficial manner.

Press pictures are available here: www.siemens.com/it-solutions/pictures/orbis1

Siemens IT Solutions and Services is an internationally leading provider of IT solutions and services. It covers the entire IT service chain from a single source, from consulting to system integration, right through to the management of IT infrastructures. In addition, Siemens IT Solutions and Services extends the range of offerings of the other Siemens Sectors to include IT solutions. With its comprehensive know-how and industry-specific knowledge, Siemens IT Solutions and Services provides measurable added value for its customers. Founded in January 2007, the new Siemens Division employs more than 41,000 people and posts annual sales of about 5.3 billion euros, of which over 70 percent are generated outside of the Siemens Sectors. More information at: www.siemens.com/it-solutions.