Thermographic technology installed at County Hospital

Thermographic technology which protects patients, staff and visitors from the spread of Coronavirus has been installed at County Hospital. In June, UHNM became the first UK healthcare organisation to deploy the innovative new technology, leading the way on the UK’s road to recovery.

A total of eight cameras have been deployed strategically around Royal Stoke and County Hospital to prevent potential COVID-19 carriers from entering and transmitting the virus to other patients and staff.

The cameras record body temperature and identify anyone displaying signs of fever, with real-time alerts to enable interception and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other contagious diseases.

John Oxtoby, UHNM Medical Director, said: “As the UK continues its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, we must ensure people remain safe and well, particularly those who we are invited into hospital for important diagnostic tests and appointments. Thanks to the generosity of the Denise Coates Foundation we are proud to be leading the way as the first NHS Trust to deploy thermographic technology. This will help to instil confidence and ensure we are alerted to potential carriers of COVID-19 and other contagious diseases at the earliest opportunity.”

Mark Bostock, Director of Information Management and Technology for UHNM, said: “We are using this brilliant technology to give us as an early warning signal. It will help to protect against complacency and a second outbreak and help UHNM to defend against COVID-19 now and in the long-term.”

The cameras take a reading of people’s temperatures as they enter and exit key areas and are funded by the Denise Coates Foundation as part of its £10 million commitment to UHNM Charity in response to Covid-19.