Touch screen technology makes check-in simple for public hospital outpatients

Ian Curry checked in on arrival to North Shore Hospital’s Outpatients Department in Auckland this month – just as he would if he was about to board a flight at the airport.

He was one of the first patients to use the new self-service check-in kiosk… no queuing required – simple and hassle-free.

“It certainly makes things a bit easier,” he said.

Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand is expanding its use of touch screen check-in kiosks for outpatients and North Shore is the latest public hospital in New Zealand to get in on the action.

The new kiosk is the first of two planned for North Shore Hospital in the near future and a third is due for installation at Waitakere Hospital soon.

The concept is already used in a number of regions – including Christchurch and Auckland City.

Its introduction to the North Shore – which is the country’s largest health district – is another step forward in the ongoing quest by Te Whatu Ora to improve patient experience through the use of technology.

Users scan in with QR codes on appointment letters that have been either posted or emailed to them. Those who have forgotten their letters – or don’t have a copy on their mobile phone, can still use the system if they know what their NHI number is.

Otherwise, friendly staff are available to assist, as per normal, at reception.

The Waitakere and North Shore hospitals receive a total of around 20,000 outpatient visits a month and the kiosks will help get people to where they going – quicker than before.

“This will be hugely convenient for many people and will certainly help reduce any potential for queuing in our receptions areas,” Director of Hospital Services Mark Shepherd says. “Time is precious and the sooner we are able to get people to where they need to go, the better.”

Mr Shepherd says use of the new kiosks will be monitored closely to see how they might be used elsewhere in the hospitals and on other sites – and not just for check-ins.

“The kiosk experience is likely to become an integral part of the patient journey,” he says.