This autumn, the Erasmus Medical Center (Erasmus MC) in Rotterdam is implementing PermitCliq, the work permit system operated on a daily basis by a large number of parties in the industry, such as AkzoNobel, DSM, and Gasunie.

With the introduction of this new system, Erasmus MC aims to increase work and patient safety during ongoing and planned maintenance and construction operations. In doing so, it will be the first client in the medical industry to install PermitCliq™. Although the underlying process remains unchanged, the aim here is to develop a tailor-made version to suit the complete needs of Erasmus MC.

Safety takes high priority at Erasmus MC. New practices include working with an electronic prescription system to prevent medication errors, and the hospital is to participate in a nationwide programme to increase patient safety in Dutch hospitals. It is, therefore, hardly surprising that Erasmus MC is leading the way in the implementation of safety processes in maintenance and construction operations. This requires the adoption of a new working method and a change in security awareness among employees. Erasmus chose iBanx as its partner on account of its in-depth knowledge and years of expertise in the field of process improvement, its strong focus on the human factor, and its use of supporting computer systems in the industry.

This is not the first time that a link has been made between industry and the world of medicine. Shift work, handling hazardous substances and operating processes with multiple human interactions are factors common to both sectors. These similarities are the reason that industry looks to the medical world for inspiration and vice versa. Automated work permit systems that increase safety during maintenance and construction operations are rarely used in the medical world, if at all. In hospitals especially, where large numbers of people (doctors, patients, students and visitors) are on site during maintenance and construction work, it is important to take into account the other on-going risks these operations entail. Safety issues that need to be considered include operating theatres with oxygen pipes, maintaining a dust-free sterile working environment, radioactive levels in certain areas and gas pipes in walls.

The new uniform, optimized process, which has been developed in collaboration with iBanx, improves hospital safety for everyone working on or visiting the premises. The system not only enables those concerned to coordinate activities but also to alert others in time to potential conflicting activities, thereby reducing risks.

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