GuestLINK Keeps Patients Connected at Norton Healthcare

Being sick, or caring for someone who is, is difficult enough without the added inconvenience of being away from email and web access. That’s why CHHSM member Norton Healthcare in Louisville, Kentucky, has gone wireless at most of its hospital and health care facilities.
“Whether someone is hospitalized for several days, coming in for diagnostic testing or waiting for a family member who is in surgery, being out of touch is inconvenient,” said Joseph L. DeVenuto, vice president of information services and interim chief information officer for Norton Healthcare. “GuestLINK enables our adult patients and guests to access online health information and keep up with their business affairs while they’re here. Likewise, the patients at Kosair Children’s Hospital are especially happy to have access to their favorite Web sites, e-mail and instant messaging.”
The wireless signal is available in all patient rooms as well as waiting rooms, cafeterias and other public areas. Inappropriate websites, including those that involve gambling, pornography, weapons and hate are filtered. But online shopping sites are available and were a big hit with patients and family members in December!
Norton Healthcare has spent $1.2 million to provide wireless connectivity in its hospitals, including GuestLINK, which is part of a state-of-the-art integrated clinical information system being installed throughout Norton Healthcare’s facilities. When it is completed, it will link all of the system’s hospitals, physician offices and immediate care centers; standardize clinical, financial and operational functions; and provide real-time patient information to caregivers.
Norton Healthcare is the Louisville area’s leading hospital and health care system, and, with 9200 employees, the area’s third largest employer. Norton Healthcare includes five hospitals, seven immediate care centers and 185 employed physicians at more than 40 locations. To learn more about Norton Healthcare or GuestLINK, please visit www.nortonhealthcare.com