Fingerprint system keeping newborn babies safe

A fingerprint recognition security system has been introduced at a hospital to improve parents' access to a neonatal ward while maintaining security.

Previously new parents had to ring a door bell at the Royal Cornwall Hospital (RCH) near Truro, Cornwall, and wait for a member of staff to let them into the unit.

Some parents had to wait for more then 20 minutes to get in and see their newborn babies, described by managers as "not ideal".

Now parents can gain access to the ward at any time of the day or night without having to call staff away from their work. One staff member called the new biometric system "amazing".

Zita Warren, the clinical matron for the neonatal and transitional care unit, said: "What's so amazing, it's made such a big difference to our families that are coming to visit.

"In the past, without the scanning, it was quite difficult for the families. They had to wait for quite a long time.

"It could take 15 to 20 minutes to answer the door and, for a mum or a dad or any family member, it's excruciating to wait for that time."

First-time parents Bluebell and Isaac, from Pendeen in west Cornwall, said the new system had helped allow them to focus on baby Elowen.

Isaac, 32, said: "It means the world. I didn't realise this was a new thing in hospitals but it's fantastic.

"To me, it's the security, knowing my daughter is safe all the time.

"No-one can just walk in and wander in. She's safe and I can get in and see her when I want to see her."

Bluebell, 28, added: "It feels really good. It just makes everything so easy, there's no waiting around."

The cost of the new fingerprint scanner - approximately £7,000 - has been covered by charity donations.

The system was to be be evaluated as the Cornish health trust sought to find ways of harnessing more technology ahead of the planned opening of a new women and children's hospital in 2030, bosses said.

Neonatal unit equipment manager Robin Martin said he was another fan of the system.

He said: "We had lots of issues, especially out of hours, where doctors and nurses were really busy.

"There was no-one manning the front desk and so parents, ultimately, had to wait to see their baby, which is not ideal when you've got a really poorly baby and you're worried.

"The actual fingerprint scanner gives them instant access, so that's great.

"Emotions do run high on our neonatal unit and so, everything we can do just to allow parents that baby access, it's got to be good news."

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