IDO PERRY – MANAGING DIRECTOR, WHEELSHARE UK & IRELAND AUTOMATION
Revolutionising mobility with automated rental
Ido Perry of Wheelshare UK & Ireland explains how an innovative automated wheelchair rental system might hold the key for healthcare providers looking to improve both their operations and the patient experience.
In the rapidly evolving realm of contemporary healthcare, the issues of patient mobility and operational efficiency have become pivotal concerns for healthcare facilities on a global scale. With this in mind, Wheelshare has spearheaded an innovative initiative in response to these challenges through our automated wheelchair management system. This article offers an in-depth analysis of our solution and its implications for healthcare operations and the patient experience.
Wheelchair management challenge Wheelchair availability and management have long posed significant obstacles for healthcare facilities. A 2003 Washington Post report revealed that between 13 per cent and 33 per cent of hospital wheelchairs are lost or stolen annually, resulting in substantial financial losses and operational inefficiencies. The consequences of this shortage extend beyond mere numbers – impacting patient care and staff productivity in numerous ways. Delayed procedures and increased
patient waiting times are common issues resulting from wheelchair shortages. Patient independence and dignity are often compromised when mobility aids are not readily available. Staff efficiency is also negatively impacted, with porters and nurses reportedly wasting 20-60 minutes per shift searching for wheelchairs, according to a 2021 study by Navigine. Furthermore, hospitals grapple with inventory management issues, including
disorganised wheelchair distribution, inaccurate record-keeping, difficulties in tracking wheelchair locations, and challenges in matching specific wheelchairs to patients’ needs. For instance, finding a wheelchair compatible with an oxygen tank or suitable for a patient’s weight can be time-consuming, further straining already busy healthcare professionals.
An innovative solution In response to these challenges, we have developed an automated self-service wheelchair rental system. Inspired by
Ido Perry
Ido joined Wheelshare Global, leading its strategy and projects before managing Wheelshare's UK and Ireland business. With over 15 years of experience in opening new markets and developing strategic business partnerships globally, Ido has worked with both established companies and start-ups. In his
most recent roles, Ido was director of business development for a global integrator of photovoltaic fields and general counsel for
a Dutch solar electricity company, serving off-grid electricity needs in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and the Ivory Coast. He also founded CampInn, an online booking platform for campsites across Europe.
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popular bike-sharing schemes but tailored specifically for healthcare environments, this solution includes several key features designed to streamline wheelchair management and improve accessibility. At the heart of this system are
strategically placed wheelchair stations throughout healthcare facilities. These stations serve as hubs for wheelchair pickup and return, making it easier for patients, visitors, and staff to locate and access mobility aids when needed. The stations are equipped with user-friendly interfaces, featuring touchscreens with multilingual options to facilitate easy wheelchair check-out and return. Tracking technology is another crucial
component. By monitoring wheelchair locations and usage patterns, hospitals can better manage their fleet of mobility aids, reducing loss and ensuring more efficient distribution. This technology also enables data collection and analysis, providing valuable insights that can be used to optimise wheelchair distribution and management across the facility. By implementing such a system,
healthcare facilities can reduce the need for purchasing and maintaining extensive
IFHE DIGEST 2025
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