Paulding County Hospital Emergency Room – Ashley Smith, Nursing Director for the Emergency Department and Chris Lybold, RN.
The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office and Paulding County Hospital (PCH) have implemented telemedicine services between the two facilities. Sheriff Landers says, “The new system provides inmates with ready access to medical care within the security of the jail. The system saves money too because it is not necessary to transport the inmate to the hospital.”
The equipment was supplied by the hospital under an agreement to provide health services for the jail. The physician is able to see the patient and communicate with them with two-way video and audio. Additionally, the physician can look at blood pressure readings, blood sugar readings, oxygen levels, temperature, pulse, and breathing as well as conduct an examination with a stethoscope and specialized cameras to view the ears, nose, mouth, and skin. Based on the outcome of the examination the physician can prescribe treatment.
Ashley Smith, Nursing Director for the Emergency Department said, “Seeing the patient in the virtual environment saves space in the emergency department for other patients.” Kyle Mawer, Chief Nursing Officer at PCH added, “The use of this technology has been a win-win as it results in the timely delivery of care and ensures a safe environment for staff. We hope to deploy this type of technology in other areas to speed access to care.”
