Monday, September 25, 2017
WESTERLY, RHODE ISLAND, September 25, 2017 – Westerly Hospital recently implemented telemedicine capabilities for critical care patients in its Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Through Yale New Haven Health system’s (YNHHS) InSight Tele-ICU center located in New Haven, CT, experienced critical care doctors and nurses provide virtual support to the Westerly Hospital ICU team by monitoring patients and providing consultation between the hours of 7 pm and 7 am, 365 nights per year.
The InSight Tele-ICU team, all of whom are licensed in Rhode Island and credentialed at Westerly Hospital, monitor patients’ vital signs through a live feed called a “vitals bridge” from the patient’s bedside monitor. If there is a change in the patient’s vital signs, the Insight Tele-ICU team immediately notifies the nurse or doctor on site in the ICU. The Tele-ICU team also performs nightly “camera rounds” on the sickest patients with the bedside nurse, and is available to provide consultation or answer questions throughout the night.
The two-way audio video technology included installation of a video camera, microphone and speakers, and new Philips monitors in two patient rooms; a new telemedicine cart for use in the remaining 7 ICU rooms; and 20 iPhones with Mobile Heartbeat, a secure texting app used in many YNHHS units.
The technology protects patient privacy and does not record any audio or visual communications. Additionally, Insight Tele-ICU staff, who are specially trained in telemedicine, request permission from bedside staff to turn on the technology in all cases except for emergencies.
“With the added support of the InSight Team, our staff can provide our critical care patients with an even higher level of care, while continuing to provide the same exceptional, compassionate care in an intimate setting, which is what we are known for here at Westerly Hospital,” said Carrie Kenyon, RN, ICU nurse manager.
Westerly Hospital’s ICU is the fifth unit supported by InSight, currently totaling 72 patient rooms across YNHHS.
“The integration of the Tele-ICU service at Westerly Hospital allows patients who are more seriously ill to continue to receive the highest quality care close to home, rather than having to be transferred to a larger and more distant tertiary care center,” said Oliver Mayorga, MD, chief medical officer.
Similar Articles
11/20/2023
Westerly Hospital Auxiliary kicks off 39th annual Lights of Love campaign
Westerly, RI (Nov. 20, 2023) – The Westerly Hospital Auxiliary has officially kicked off its 39th annual “Lights of Love” campaign which invites the community to remember or honor a loved one and to support Westerly Hospital and the caregivers that touch the lives of thousands of patients to provide hope, healing and recovery.
11/15/2023
PhysicianOne Urgent Care opens in Shelton, marking 27th location
SHELTON (Nov. 15, 2023) PhysicianOne Urgent Care announced today the opening of a new center at 795 Bridgeport Avenue, Suite A, Shelton, offering high-quality, friendly, and professional care to residents in Shelton and surrounding towns in Fairfield County. The Shelton center is PhysicianOne’s 27th location and the first new center opening following Yale New Haven Health System’s acquisition of PhysicianOne Urgent Care.