Czech cancer insitute deploys Ekahau tracking system

Czech Republic health care provider Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute (MMCI) has implemented the Wi-Fi-based real-time location systems provider Ekahau's RTLS (Real-Time Location System) integrated with their Cisco WLAN for optimising patient care and tracking assets across its two pavilions. The same Cisco WLAN that supports RTLS for tracking patients and assets such as infusion pumps, wheelchairs and defibrillators, is also used to access patient records and care information at the patient bedside. Unis Computers, a premiere partner of both Cisco and Ekahau, implemented the system at MMCI. The Ekahau RTLS system is deployed over a Cisco Medical Grade Network (MGN) which allows hospital staff to access patient information electronically and to view images, video and other medical information. Patients are issued Ekahau wearable tags that track them throughout the WLAN-covered premises. The tags also have a call button that the patient can press in the case of an emergency. The system alerts staff if patients try to wander into areas they are not supposed to be in. By tagging the mobile patient care equipment, MMCI has been able to reduce equipment losses from theft and accidental misplacement and has been able to increase the utilisation of those devices.