Thermal imaging cameras installed at St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital

06-05-2020

St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital has installed thermal imaging technology to ensure people visiting the facility have their temperature quickly and accurately assessed before entering.

St Andrew's Thermal Camera

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 Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital (SAWMH) General Manager Mairi McNeill, 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 McNeill 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 Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital the technology has been rolled out across all UnitingCare hospitals, Buderim Private Hospital, The Wesley Hospital and St Stephen’s Hospital on the Fraser Coast.

ENDS

Media contact: Adelle Yates 0428 551 852 or adelle.yates@ucareqld.com.au