AN electronic signage system has been installed in Orange hospital’s main entrance to help patients and visitors find their way around the large facility.
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The kiosk-style machine, similar to those found in large metropolitan shopping centres, has already been loaded with basic information such as ward and clinic locations, a campus map and town map, which can be accessed by tapping the screen.
Hospital Auxiliary president Tracy Wilkinson said the group purchased the equipment with funds raised in the canteen between 2012 and 2013.
“We have regular communication with the hospital about the way we can assist with the purchase of equipment and when this was suggested we thought it would be a good idea,” she said.
Acting deputy director of nursing Cate Cleal said the machine had initially been loaded with limited data.
“But there is a real capacity to expand from the campus map, the town map and the map of the hospital,” she said.
Mrs Cleal said hospital staff had received suggestions from members of the Wayfinders group, who direct people to destinations within the hospital.
“They’ve suggested through visitor feedback it would be good to load accommodation, and information about the arts in Orange among other things,” she said.
Mrs Cleal said another machine would eventually be installed at the rear of the hospital.
Orange councillor Chris Gryllis, who put forward the idea of the Wayfinders group at the hospital, said the electronic signage would not replace the work of the volunteers who showed people around the hospital.
“They still have a vital role,”he said.
“I welcome anything new to the hospital which can help the families of people who are sick in hospital and need care,” he said.
The hospital has placed a suggestion box at the side of the new equipment to encourage feedback.
janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au