Within the scope of an invitation to tender for the introduction of a RIS/PACS (Radiology Information System, Picture Archiving and Communication System) at the clinics belonging to Spital Thurgau AG a preliminary project was launched in spring 2004 for a period of three months, the aim being to develop the planning basis in detail. The focus was on establishing the items of work involved, the staff resources and the total expenditure that would be incurred during implementation of the project.

Crucial factors influencing the choice were not only the volume of investment, life cycle costs and functionality but also the supplier's stability, experience and ability to handle future requirements.

The result of efforts on the part of the hospital and GE Healthcare is now a customised system which has brought about a significant improvement in the efficiency and speed of treatment processes.

By networking the four locations on an intensive basis hospital management achieves a closer relationship with patients throughout the various clinics. Higher cost efficiency is brought about by fast data interchange. All in all, by opting for the highly integrated Centricity^® IT solution from GE Healthcare, institute management now also has a new managerial instrument at its disposal. Analytical tools generate charts in a flash with the aid of statistical queries. Costs and the current workload are available at the press of a button. Institute management can call up all data at any time.

In the Canton of Thurgau a service centre has thus developed which not only exhibits a high level of interdisciplinary competence but is also attractive and prestigious to patients and staff.