Mercy Health improves communications with videoconferencing

Mercy Health and Aged Care Central Queensland Limited is a Catholic provider of health and aged care services with hospitals and aged care facilities in Queensland. The organisation has installed LifeSize HD videoconferencing solutions in six of its facilities and is already reaping the benefits of enhanced internal communication, collaboration, improved work/life balance and safety for its employees.

Working with Instantly There, a LifeSize partner, Mercy installed a LifeSize Room 220 in its corporate head office facility in Rockhampton and LifeSize Express and LifeSize Team 220 systems in smaller meeting rooms and facilities in various locations in Central Queensland.

Marcia Healy, Information Systems Officer at Mercy Health, said the LifeSize system was easily integrated into everyday business activities and has transformed internal communication within the organisation.

“Our employees are spread across many different locations so the video communications system has added a new speed and dimension to our internal communication. With this new system, we can meet more spontaneously. There is now no need to travel as frequently. We are also assured that there is no compromise on quality when meeting via videoconferencing as the experience is as if you were meeting face to face. In particular, one of our surgeons has commented that since using LifeSize to participate in education sessions and peer reviews, he feels as though he is now actually participating with the other people as opposed to feeling like a distant observer.

“An important benefit of installing the system is improved employee safety. Previously, some staff had to drive up to eight hours to attend a regular two-hour meeting. Reducing this travel has increased their productivity, enhanced work/life balance and has improved their safety by reducing the risk of car accidents and fatigue on the road.

“Everyone has been very impressed by the quality of the video and audio of the system including how easy it is to use, so it has been quickly embraced by our staff.”

Warwick Prince, Technical Director of Instantly There, said after Mercy viewed the demonstration, the LifeSize equipment essentially sold itself.

“Prior to LifeSize, Mercy had a defunct, ineffective, big name videoconferencing system sitting in its boardroom. When we hosted the demonstration, Mercy was immediately impressed by the quality of the system and how well it integrated with its existing infrastructure.”

Tim Fulton, Country Manager for Australia, LifeSize Communications, said, “Over the past six months we’ve seen growing demand across all industries, including health and education, where organisations are looking to cut down travel time and costs but can’t afford to sacrifice on quality - an engaging and true-to-life experience is paramount.”