Hospitals roll out iPad system to monitor patients

Staff will be able to monitor children's vitals on iPads as part of the new system

Two hospitals have rolled out an electronic system that allows staff to record child patients’ vitals on iPads.

The digital upgrade has replaced the traditional paper charts on the paediatric unit and emergency department at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.

The system, called paediatric vitals, has also been rolled out in the emergency department at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

The upgrade means staff can record vital observations like heart rate and blood pressure on tablets, which will show in real time whether a patient's health is deteriorating.

They will also be able to access charts with real-time information on other devices, Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust said.

Julie Plant, divisional director of nursing for women and children’s services, said the hospitals were among the first to use the digital system.

She said staff had worked hard to ensure the transition to the new system went “smoothly” and with minimal disruption.

“I am so proud of what they have done and can only anticipate the impact of how much it is going to improve communication and patient safety,” she added.