Mobile telephony as a solution for growing mobility and flexibility in hospitals
Ignace Van Peteghem, Telephony Coordinator at University Hospital Antwerp (ZNA)

Mobility and availability are core words in every hospital. Ignace Van Peteghem explains which telephony concept is most suitable for supporting this development.

Mobility and availability are core words in every hospital, certainly when it covers several sites. Ignace Van Peteghem, Telephony Coordinator in ZNA, explains which telephony concept is most suitable for supporting this development. “Today, our doctors use different means of communication (fixed-line telephone, DECT, mobile phone), which we wish to consolidate into one medium. In the near future every doctor will be reachable at one number for our internal clients, regardless of where he is in the hospital. This is the so-called ‘one number’ telephony concept. The intention is to make the mobile phone the standard medium over time, due to its ease of use and the power of habit.”

A platform for appointment reminders is also planned. Here the patient receives a reminder via SMS one day before his appointment at the hospital. “If he cannot attend, he contacts the hospital call centre to make a new appointment. This enables us to combat the overbooking of doctors. However, there is also a reverse side, i.e. the estimated loss of income.”

While communication technology may offer many advantages to hospitals, there is always a price tag attached. How does Ignace Van Peteghem view the challenge of communicating efficiently and saving costs at the same time? “Mobile telephony is the most advantageous solution. It is less expensive than a fixed line, increases our staff’s reachability and we can also integrate mobile phone traffic into our patient communication. The art is to weigh things up correctly and to make the right choices: every technology has a price, but thanks to the countless advantages associated with this option - mobility, flexibility, cooperation, just to name a few - an investment repays itself over time.”