2006

Klinikum Region Hannover creates multi-site pathology network with iSOFT

The LabCentre modules – Clinical chemistry and Blood group preservation management – are used in the laboratories at the Nordstadt, Siloah, Hagenhof and Oststadt-Heidehaus sites. Paperless order requests and results from the laboratory to all departments in the clinic will be managed via the integrated labor.info.center communication tool within the solution.

The introduction of the iSOFT product is an important step forward for Klinikum Region Hannover in implementing a pathology network capable of supporting the needs of a healthcare organisation seeking to realise greater efficiencies. The laboratories, which are physically separate from one another, form an organisational and technical unit supported by the innovative multi-organisation concept from iSOFT, supporting the latest pathology trends in Germany. Within this new laboratory network, the laboratories are able to specialise on their core competency to realise the full range of analyses.

All four laboratories belong to the same organisational structure, which allows for an integration of medical devices and reagents to achieve more efficiency in procurement. This efficiency stems from streamlined workflows and increased specialisation within pathology disciplines. In the future, it will be possible, in this ’virtual laboratory’ to process samples across various locations with integrated tracking of pathology samples throughout the network.

All laboratory workplaces are connected to a central server using a uniform data structure and without multiple internal interfaces. This reduces capital investment and work input while optimising communication between the different locations across a pathology network. A fibre channel cluster solution with two servers and two storage units in different fire protection areas ensure a high level of availability and maximum system stability.

Referring to iSOFT’s innovative laboratory capability to support efficient pathology networks, iSOFT Deutschland’s Managing Director, Jörg Trinemeier, said: “The creation of a laboratory network enables the Klinikum Region Hannover to realise a faster and more economical delivery of laboratory diagnostic services of the highest quality and safety level from which all of the clinics will benefit.”

Commenting on the reasons for selecting iSOFT’s solution ahead of a number of local and international laboratory information system specialists, Klinikum Region Hannover’s Project Co-ordinator, Manfred Kunk, said: “We believe LabCentre, with its advanced data model and high level of configurability, is the most innovative laboratory solution on the market. We were particularly convinced by the system’s high level of flexibility, which also enables us, in the context of new integrated forms of medical care, to link up various medical facilities in the region.”