Patient tagging 'first in world'

The system is being piloted by Heartlands Hospital

Patients at a Birmingham hospital are to be electronically tagged in a bid to prevent medical mistakes in what has been described as a "world first".

Heartlands Hospital is piloting the system which will track the movements of people undergoing surgery through a wireless network.

Their records are then brought up on screens for use by staff at key points.

Developers believe the system will reduce the risk of human errors and improve medical efficiency.

'Saves money'

Digital photographs are taken of patients who are then tagged on arrival and the information is synchronised with their electronic records.

David Morgan, a consultant ENT surgeon at the hospital who helped devise the process, said the patients location could then be tracked to within yards and their details fed to visual display units in theatres, anaesthetic rooms and waiting areas.

Mr Morgan added he could make changes to the digital operating list while on his rounds using a pocket PC instead of working with typed copies.

"This is the only system of its kind in the world," said Mr Morgan.

"It saves time for doctors because we don't have to go round wards changing typed lists and it enhances security as patients know they are going to have the right operation at the right time and with the right person."

He added: "It allows better use of resources so you don't have wasted time in theatre, so it actually saves money in the long term."

The system was developed by Intelligent Medical Microsystems and cost £25,000 to install in one ward and two theatres.