The content system used for patient medical information on the Windows XP tablets have a stand-alone feature to prevent data loss during synchronisation with the central repository, meaning staff can continue working on the tablets during any loss in connectivity.

Cash said the RDNS is using technology in other ways to further digitise its processes.

Presently, patient medical referrals from doctors to the RDNS are sent by fax or PKI encrypted e-mail from clinics to the RDNS and stored in an electronic document management system to be attached to patient records. Cash said more hardcopy documents will be migrated to electronic form under an industry-wide push to electronic document management and processing.

“We are moving into more electronic clinical support so nurses can better plan care and perform more comprehensive assessments,” Cash said.

He said while the company has used mobile computing for a decade, local wireless hotspots are ineffective for mobile staff because it only covers about 1 percent of its client base.