Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
MediCab Mobile Sample Collection & Administration
Background
Demands on the NHS and its staff are at an all-time high, with more patients to care for and increasing workloads.
After several discussions with Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, representatives from Dalen Healthcare and Dakota Healthcare were able to identify certain challenges that Royal Preston Hospital were experiencing in their strategic efforts to improve their services.
The team visited the Trust to discuss and demonstrate key aspects of their products that could facilitate these improvements across a range of the Hospital’s services.
The Brief
A number of Phlebotomy carts were established and in use, but were close to 20 years old, and the Trust felt that they required updating.
The Trust required an ergonomic mobile solution designed with the latest technology in mind.
There were a number of important aspects of the hospital’s Phlebotomy activities that the solution would need to improve.
Key Project Criteria:
• Improve staff well-being through a height adjustable solution
• Provide plenty of storage for supplies
• Improve efficiency while carrying out core activities
• Improve mobility through a lightweight and easy to manoeuvre cart
Our Solution
A range of customised solutions were proposed to fit the specifications based on the MediCab range. The MediCab can be configured for Phlebotomy with a series of features and accessories:
1 Compact & Manoeuvrable
While carrying out blood collection, the mobile MediCab can be moved wherever it is required, keeping close proximity to the patient and minimising the potential for error.
2 Electrically Height Adjustable
The MediCab features an electrically height adjustable cabinet, with power supplied by an on-board battery, allowing each user to adjust the MediCab to a comfortable working height. It also provides quick and easy ergonomic access to supplies without bending down.
3 Open Front With Large Storage Space
The cart was customised by the hospital to feature an open front for ease of access, and space for a sharps bin inside the bottom of the cart. At the same time the cart provides substantial storage for both samples and supplies.
4 Interchangeable Accessories
The unit features a modular system allowing the addition of interchangeable accessories. The Phlebotomists workflow required a selection of accessories including a non-clinical waste bin, sanitary wipes holder, barcode scanner mounts & printer mounts, all of which were able to be supported by this system.
5 Ergonomic Laptop Arm
The Trust already used laptops as part of their Order Comms system, however the laptops would now be mounted to the worktop with an ergonomic arm, thus freeing up valuable worktop space and providing additional flexibility.
The Result
The carts were delivered fully assembled to each site, and then through their Migration & Roll-Out Service, the team supported the trust by migrating equipment and users from the old carts onto the new. This service meant that Phlebotomists were able to use the carts on the day of delivery, and no trust resources were required to set up the carts.
The staff and students have been using the new Phlebotomy carts across a variety of environments including wards, clinics & theatres, showcasing the adaptable nature of the solution.