Enabling Mobile Digital Workflows at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
As Royal Cornwall NHS Trust began its digital transformation with the eCare system, one challenge stood out: finding mobile workstations that could keep up with busy wards.
To make the change real on the wards, the Trust introduced 350 Kinetic-ID Flex 3 workstations, so nurses and clinicians could update patient records right at the bedside.
The Challenge: Outdated, ineffective mobile units
Before the rollout, the Trust faced a common but critical issue: much of their existing estate of mobile workstations simply weren’t fit for purpose. There was a mixed economy of outdated COWs (computers on wheels) and LOWs (laptops on wheels), many of which were:
- bulky and difficult to manoeuvre;
- unreliable, with poor battery life that often meant they had to be constantly plugged in – undermining their purpose as mobile devices.
This created frustration for staff and inefficiencies in clinical workflows.
Why the Trust chose Kinetic-ID
Following an extensive trial from different suppliers, the Kinetic-ID ID-Flex 3 workstations came out on top. Here’s why:
1. Battery Life
Kinetic-ID workstations delivered long-lasting, dependable battery life – a game-changer for a busy hospital environment.
2. Height Adjustability
Clinical staff come in all shapes and sizes. Kinetic-ID workstations offer ergonomic, adjustable designs that ensure comfort and usability for everyone – from the tallest to the shortest members of staff.
3. Infection Control Compliance
In a hospital setting, infection control is non-negotiable. The workstations meet strict hygiene standards and are paired with washable keyboards and mice to help maintain cleanliness on wards.
4. Compact and Manoeuvrable
Space is at a premium in clinical settings. The compact footprint of the ID-Flex 3 workstations, along with their excellent manoeuvrability, made them an ideal choice for the Trust’s busy wards.
5. Quality at the Right Cost
Kinetic-ID offered a high-quality solution that not only met the Trust’s exacting standards, but also provided excellent value for money.
A hit with ward staff – and the IT team too
The success of the rollout wasn’t just about hardware – it was also about people.
The IT team behind the implementation praised Kinetic-ID for their responsive customer service and fast, practical support. On one occasion, when a battery pod appeared to have failed, Kinetic-ID quickly diagnosed the issue… which turned out to be the pod was filled with cold coffee!
Perhaps most importantly, frontline staff on the hospital wards genuinely value the new workstations.
“I’ve really enjoyed doing a project where we’re implementing a change people are happy with and receptive to. Rolling these out has been like delivering Christmas early – colleagues really want the workstations; they’re even asking for more!” <div class="author">Business and Infrastructure Manager, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust</div>
Looking Ahead: Even bigger benefits to come
While the workstations are already improving workflows and staff satisfaction, the real transformation is still ahead.
As the eCare system goes live, staff will be able to update patient records right at the bedside. This will improve patient safety by minimising the chances of transcription errors or miscommunication.
Kinetic-ID and the Trust are currently working together to enable on-cart label printing, allowing everything – from medication labels to sample tracking – to be printed instantly at the patient’s bedside. This removes the need for staff to collect printouts from a central station, further reducing opportunities for error.
A Partnership Driving Healthcare Innovation
From practical benefits to improved morale, the collaboration between Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust and Kinetic-ID is already proving its value. As the eCare system evolves, Kinetic-ID workstations will continue to play a central role in delivering safer, more efficient patient care – exactly where it’s needed most.