AUTOMATION
wheelchair inventories. This potential for cost savings and improved resource allocation has made automated wheelchair management an attractive option for many hospitals seeking to enhance their operational efficiency.
Exhaustive hospital
transportation management We initially developed our solution to address the needs of outpatients and visitors. This quickly gained traction, leading to implementations in several countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Türkiye, Israel, and the UK, where hospitals such as Bedfordshire Hospitals, King’s College Hospital, Northumbria Healthcare, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, and The Hillingdon Hospital have each adapted the technology to their specific needs and environments. In response to client requests, we included an inpatient transportation solution designed for hospital porters and staff, who can access the wheelchairs using their employee cards. The goal is to optimise wheelchair allocation throughout the facility, enhancing overall hospital logistics and expediting patient transitions between departments.
The technology The system incorporates advanced technologies to ensure seamless operation and management. The core offering is a comprehensive end-to-end platform that leverages Internet of Things (IoT) integration. This allows for real-time data collection and communication between wheelchair stations, individual wheelchairs, and central management systems. The user interface features intuitive, multilingual touchscreens at each station—these guide users through the rental process with SMS reminders for added convenience. On the backend, a centralised software
system collects and analyses usage data, providing valuable insights for facility managers. This data can be used for predictive maintenance, optimising wheelchair distribution, and identifying patterns in usage that can inform broader operational decisions. The system also offers a managerial
dashboard that gives hospital administrators real-time information and control over the wheelchair fleet. This dashboard allows facility managers to monitor wheelchair usage patterns, identify maintenance needs, and optimise the distribution of wheelchairs across the hospital.
Impact on hospital operations Implementing an automated wheelchair management system can significantly transform various aspects of hospital
IFHE DIGEST 2025
operations. By improving wheelchair availability, with access under one minute, the system should enhance patient experience and reduce the staff burden. Porters and nurses can save up to 45 minutes per shift previously spent searching for wheelchairs, allowing more focus on critical patient care tasks. Patients and visitors gain independence through the self-service system, contributing to increased satisfaction and faster recovery times. The data-driven insights enable optimised wheelchair distribution across departments, improving overall patient flow and resource allocation. The systems have led to substantial
reductions in wheelchair loss and theft, with some hospitals reporting up to 70 per cent decrease in annual replacement costs. Centralised management improves cleaning and maintenance schedules, enhancing hygiene standards and extending wheelchair lifespan. Financial benefits extend beyond cost
savings. Detailed usage data collected can inform broader operational decisions, from staffing schedules to facility layout improvements. Moreover, the system can aid in regulatory compliance by ensuring consistent mobility aid availability and maintaining detailed usage logs. In emergency situations, a reliable, tracked wheelchair fleet can be invaluable for rapid patient mobilisation.
Regulatory compliance and accessibility standards An automated wheelchair management system can help hospitals meet various accessibility standards and regulations. In the UK, for example, this includes compliance with the Equality Act 2010, which requires service providers to make reasonable adjustments to remove barriers for people with disabilities. We work closely with healthcare
facilities to ensure all relevant regulations are met during implementation and ongoing operation. However, it is important to note that while such a system can contribute to accessibility, it should be seen as part of a broader strategy for ensuring inclusive healthcare environments.
Environmental impact and sustainability Our solution contributes significantly to healthcare facilities’ sustainability goals, addressing multiple facets of environmental responsibility. The primary environmental benefit stems from the ability to reduce wheelchair loss and extend the lifespan of existing wheelchairs through improved maintenance and tracking.
Hospitals can also substantially
decrease the frequency of wheelchair replacements. This reduction in turnover has a cascading positive effect on the
Wheelchair availability and management have long posed significant obstacles for healthcare facilities
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