The Christie has launched a groundbreaking new mobile phone app for patients and visitors.
The Christie app, developed by technology partner Wayfinder UK Ltd, will revolutionise the way patients and visitors find their way around Manchester’s world renowned cancer centre.
Making use of the famous Google ‘blue dot’ technology and more than 74 specially installed Bluetooth beacons throughout the hospital, the app will guide patients and visitors, step by step, to anywhere they need to get to on the 97,000 sq. m hospital site.
The app ingeniously converts the blue dot into a Christie embrace logo on screen. This is the first time such accurate ‘blue dot’ technology has been deployed in an NHS hospital making use of Bluetooth beacons.
Not only will the new app help patients find the various treatment, consultation and diagnostic facilities dotted throughout the hospital, but will also guide patients to refreshment areas, retail facilities, the cancer information centre, relaxation spaces, the garden, the art room, the conservatory, charity centre, toilets, hospital exits and other vital services for patients and visitors.
Key information for patients on the app includes vital phone numbers and details of buses, trams, car parks and taxis.
The new app also incorporates 10 defining moments from The Christie’s history, with information popping up on people’s phones as they pass through the hospital close to places of significance in the treatment of cancer for more than 100 years.
And people using the app will be able to see how The Christie’s 50,000 plus dedicated fundraisers support the vital work of the hospital, with details of what The Christie charity has funded.
The app will also direct patients and visitors to the latest news and updates from The Christie and encourage them to take part in polls.
The first patient to download the new app was Louise Hassall from Ellesmere Port. Louise has been a patient at The Christie since 2010, during which time she has received care and treatment in many parts of the hospital including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, interventional radiology, the CT and MRI scanners and the new Integrated Procedures Unit. She said: “Even though I’ve been coming to The Christie for seven years there are still certain areas of the hospital I don’t know so well, but the app will make it much easier. All I have to do is type in where I want to go and follow the embrace symbol on screen directing me every step of the way.
“I’ve also found it fascinating to learn where some of the big advances in cancer treatment were made in the past and to find out what is funded by The Christie charity.”
Commenting on the launch of the new app, Christie Chief Executive Roger Spencer, said: “This is an exciting innovation for The Christie and will make a big difference to our patients, not only helping them find their way around the hospital, but opening up services and facilities they may not even have been aware of previously. We want patients to feel comfortable and fully informed when they are here – the app provides a rich immersive experience for them. I’d urge all our patients and visitors to download the app today.”
Mike Slater, Managing Director of Wayfinder UK Ltd, added: “It has been a pleasure to work with a world leading client such as The Christie to launch its app. We have been developing the WayfinderApp platform for the last three years and The Christie will be the first hospital in the country to benefit from this technology.”
