St Stephen’s Hospital has installed thermal imaging technology to ensure people visiting the facility have their temperature quickly and accurately assessed before entering.
The advanced temperature checking technology forms part of the hospital’s comprehensive COVID-19 screening process which is in place to ensure the continued safety of its patients, staff and doctors.
The person entering the hospital simply stands in a designated area in front of the high-tech scanning equipment and an alarm sounds if their temperature is above 37.4 degrees. A hospital staff member is also in place to monitor temperatures, ask screening questions and ensure visitor restrictions are observed.
St Stephen’s Hospital Acting General Manager Katrina Ryan, said the technology is fast, efficient and extremely accurate and has replaced the manual temperature checking process that was formerly in place.
“The technology takes only seconds, is accurate to within +/- 0.3 degrees and also conserves valuable medical consumables, so I believe it is definitely the way of the future for hospitals in Queensland and across Australia,” Ms Ryan said.
“Our investment in this innovative technology forms part of our commitment to place our patients at the centre of everything we do and their feedback to date is very positive as they feel an enhanced sense of safety, comfort and reassurance,” she said.
Along with St Stephen’s Hospital the technology has been rolled out across all UnitingCare hospitals, Buderim Private Hospital, St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital and The Wesley Hospital.