Traka addresses key management at Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust cares for more than half a million patients every year from across Kingston, Richmond, Elmbridge (Surrey), Merton, Wandsworth and Sutton.

In its most recent Care Quality Commission review, the NHS Foundation Trust was rated as ‘Outstanding’ for overall quality and leadership.  Today, the organisation continues a shared objective to deliver care that connects organisations within specific systems and partnerships.

Key management from the main reception area was highlighted as an issue impacting on time and resources. There was too great a reliance placed on manual processes including the recording of key locations on paper. This was a particular problem out of hours.

A more automated management solution was required to provide security managers with instant accountability for members of staff with keys in their possession, in turn enabling the smooth running of the hospital and the continuation of excellent patient care across all its facilities.

Complex security challenge

Liam Topham, security manager at the Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, stated: “Hospitals such as Kingston present a complex security challenge. With 48 different buildings covering a large site, and many keys in operation, it was becoming a challenge for our already busy reception area staff to manage these keys and ensure their safe return, notably so at staff handover times.”

Topham continued: “We needed a smarter solution. One that was simple to operate and quick to respond with no disruption to the running of the facility. Traka presented standalone resources designed to meet the specific needs of the hospital underpinned by excellent levels of technical support. The added security benefit is the audit control with alerts sent to members of our security teams if keys haven’t been returned.”

Traka’s intelligent key cabinet has been installed and can accommodate 50 keys for use across the hospital. With specialist software allowing for central management control, a full audit trail is available in relation to all key transactions. This has already saved reception area staff valuable time and resources in relation to key management, thereby allowing an enhanced focus on the patient experience.

Open facilities

Ben Farrar, Traka’s market development manager, commented: “From a patient’s point of view, hospitals are an open facility wherein first-class healthcare is provided and family and friends can offer their support to those recovering from operations, etc. Behind the scenes, for staff, patients and visitors alike, security measures need to be put into place to maintain a safe atmosphere and minimise any risk of time delays relating to patient care.”

Farrar went on to highlight: “Within Kingston’s security portfolio, the adaptability of the Traka technology allowed us to work with the security team on supplying a bespoke solution. The audit trail capability adds to better management of the keys in use. This all combines to operate 24/7/365 for the ongoing benefit and security of all members of staff, patients and visitors.”

*Further information is available online at www.traka.com