Carillion IT Services is working with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to design and install a scalable, secure wireless local area network (wireless LAN) and radiofrequency identification (RFID) portable asset-tracking solution.

The project at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) in Paisley is the first of its kind to be undertaken in a Scottish hospital.

RFID wireless technology is now in place across seven wards within the RAH, including Accident & Emergency and Medical Sciences.

Jason Britton, clinical scientist at the RAH, said: "The technology that has been installed should improve efficiency at the hospital considerably due to reducing the amount of time healthcare professionals will spend trying to locate portable equipment as it is moved across different wards. This time can then be used more effectively in concentrating on patient care. Maintenance staff should also benefit from knowing exactly where equipment is when undertaking planned maintenance.

The hospital also aims to investigate the potential of using mobile wi-fi phones with the installed wireless LAN as a means of improving communication between inpatient services and Accident & Emergency.