With the Horizon Real-Time Location System application tracking the exact location of infusion pumps, Spartanburg clinicians know with assurance whether IV pumps are readily available for patient use. Administrators can better track the pumps for technical upgrades and compliance as well as optimize use of an expensive equipment item.

"IV pumps are vital to patient safety, so it's essential to let caregivers know promptly when and where they're available," said Ray Shingler, Spartanburg's chief information officer. "Each infusion pump can cost as much as $10,000 and requires regular software upgrades. Being able to track these devices via a wireless-based RTLS helps us to address multiple safety, compliance and asset utilization issues. The RF-technology is working so well that we look forward to integrating it with our existing McKesson applications, such as Horizon Surgical Manager(TM), to maximize patient throughput."

Horizon Real-Time Location System, a key component of McKesson's RFID solution set, uses Spartanburg's existing 802.11 wireless network along with active RFID tags affixed to all of the hospital's IV pumps. Using a standard Web-based browser, caregivers, bio-medical staff and administrative personnel can view a map of the facility to pinpoint the location of all tagged assets. Additionally, Spartanburg uses powerful alerts functionality to send automated text and e-mail alerts when an IV pump has entered off-limits area, such as a stairwell or a building exterior.

"McKesson is leading the way in integrating RFID technology with healthcare IT applications," said David Souerwine, president of McKesson's automation unit. "Our solution leverages the existing RF infrastructure within the hospital. Many companies are charging to install proprietary RF networks, and that's not a good use of capital. The successful go-live at Spartanburg is a critical milestone for us as we work to quickly develop and bring to market RFID-enabled solutions to help our hospital customers increase medication safety, improve productivity and lower the total cost of care."

About Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System is one of South Carolina's largest community-based healthcare providers. Offering the latest in cancer, heart, women's and orthopedic care, SRHS is also home to South Carolina's only accredited stroke and chest pain centers, in addition to the Village at Pelham in Greer. SRHS has been named a "Top 100" hospital for computer technology and has received awards for patient satisfaction and nursing care. In 2005, Gibbs Regional Cancer Center became one of only six cancer centers on the globe to form an alliance with the world-famous M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. For more information: www.spartanburgregional.com.