IT at Rossdales
Rossdale & Partners veterinary practice is based at two sites, two miles apart, with more than 30 veterinary surgeons and over 100 support staff. Secure, efficient and effective veterinary and business communications are essential and a solution was required to link information systems throughout both sites and to external business partners.
Apple technology and Eclipse software have revolutionised our working practices
Working over a number of years with IT solutions specialists, Systems Support, based at Great Chesterford, Saffron Walden, we have gradually replaced, expanded and linked all of the practice's varied computer systems to incorporate the very latest Apple technology on Macintosh computer systems. All areas of the practice are now linked to our Eclipse practice management software, including the Hospital and Diagnostic Centre information system, the accounts billing system, the pharmacy system, and laboratory reporting system. Our veterinary surgeons can access their diary, as well as client, horse, imaging and pathology information, in a secure manner, from any of the computers, Mac or PC, throughout both sites.
Our Eclipse Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS), allows terabytes of digital imaging to be stored permanently on the practice servers. All imaging modalities are linked to the PACS, including digital radiography, gamma scintigraphy, ultrasonography (pictured left), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and most recently, computed tomography (CT). Using OsiriX (a Mac-based open-source medical Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) viewer), running on the Mac platform, images can be viewed on any of the workstations located throughout the practice, edited for maximum quality and clarity, labelled and archived via the PACS system. Images can be shared with other veterinary surgeons throughout the practice, on a secure, password protected basis, with referring veterinary surgeons, and with clients. Diagnostic work can be carried out on or off-site, with off-site results recorded on portable digital imaging equipment (e.g. radiographic and ultrasound scanning) and later downloaded onto the PACS.
Rossdales Business Profile features on Apple website
Early in 2010, we were very proud to be invited by Apple, global leaders in IT, to feature as one of their Business Profiles on their website. Rossdales is currently the lead case study on those pages, describing how state of the art Apple technology has revolutionised our working practices and how it allows us to communicate and access the information that we need, whenever and wherever it is required. It additionally shows how we use technology for learning, through our own website and our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses for veterinary professionals.
Technology for learning
We are committed to teaching and to providing continuing professional development for our own and other veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and other veterinary paraprofessionals.
Wall-mounted screens in the examination rooms and the operating theatres at our Hospital and Diagnostic Centre allow our veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to view specific digital images. This technology also aids veterinary professionals taking part in practical sessions on the many veterinary courses that we run throughout the year. Diagnostic and surgical procedures can be captured on video and edited on our computers for teaching purposes, discussions with other veterinary surgeons around the world, and for professional presentations at seminars and congresses.
Continuing to lead the way
Continual incremental improvements to our systems will help ensure that Rossdale & Partners maintains its reputation as a world leader amongst equine veterinary professionals.
For more information on Eclipse, PACS or digital imaging, please contact Marcus Head or visit the Eclipse website.
