Background

Part of the St. Vincent's Health System in Birmingham, Alabama, St. Vincent's East provides cuttingedge Cardiovascular Services and Robotic Surgical Services. Cardiovascular care ranges from treatment of chest pain to minimally invasive surgical procedures that provide faster recovery time.

Specially trained surgeons at St. Vincent's East utilize the da Vinci® Surgical System robot to perform complex urologic procedures that result in reduced scarring, less pain, and fewer complications. The surgical staff at St. Vincent's had been using one-way text message pagers that performed well and met all HIPAA requirements, but did not provide the silent two-way communications capability necessary for effective daily operation.

Hytera Solutions

Initially, the hospital administrators considered switching to cell phones with SMS capability, but were concerned about in-building coverage, ease of use, and ongoing monthly costs. The Hytera dealer, Falcon Wireless, instead recommended the PD36X, a cost-effective, high-quality radio solution specifically designed for users working in hospitality, retail and medical clinic environments. It provides both voice and text messaging, is easy to operate, and requires minimal training. Texting capability combined with voice functionality delivers overall effectiveness and performance.

Solutions

Pocket-Sized Design

The color display allows good visibility even under extremely strong light. The compact antenna design and light weight PC & Metal frame design. The PD36X is 4.84 x 2.17 x 0.91 inches weighing 5.64oz.

Dual Mode: Analog & Digital

Dual mode (analog & digital) operation ensures a smooth analog to digital migration.

One-Touch Call / Text

Supports One Touch features comprised of Preprogrammed Text Messages, Voice Calls and Supplementary Features.

Versatile Voice Calls

The intelligent signaling supports various voice call types, including Private Call, Group Call, and All Call.

Easy to Read Display

Two line display with monochrome color and supports messaging with up to 64 characters.

Outcome

The user-friendly features of the PD36X radios allowed the staff members to smoothly transition to the new system with minimal training.

Previously, when staff members received a text on their pagers, they could only respond by going directly to the OR desk or by using a nearby telephone. Using the PD36X radios, they can now respond either by text or by voice if they are in an area where they can radio back.

At the customer's request, the radios can be set up with pre-programmed messages for instant response and status reporting.

Voice from Customer

“We were pleasantly surprised when we became fully acquainted with the full capabilities of the new Hytera radios.”
                   —— Deidra Bentley, R.N., Operating Room Manager at St. Vincent's Hospital East