To improve the situation regarding radiation therapy in the region of Krems, Austria, a new radiation therapy center had to be implemented as quickly as possible. The customer knew that the new institute had not only to be quickly completed but also needed to provide a turnkey solution. He wanted only one partner that offered a tailored, one-stop solution from the first planning steps to the very installation of medical equipment; a partner to whom the customer could leave the time-consuming details and who would be a reliable team-player when it came to important decisions. This partner was found in Siemens Turnkey Solutions. The Team of Turnkey Solutions developed the concept, financing, logistics, equipment plan, and services. The project was implemented in a budget-friendly and turnkey manner despite the strict deadlines. So the customer was able to focus on the important decisions.
Project scope: an all round solution - in time and on budget
Within only two years, the building was to be completed. Siemens Turnkey Solutions had all the planning know-how in-house, enabling the customer to begin their detailed planning immediately. As a result, the Siemens team was able to deliver a fully functioning building ready for occupancy several days before the contracted date. The building included all technical equipment, interfaces to the existing hospital, and medical technology equipment - and all that was implemented on budget.
An optimized workflow concept
In addition to successfully steering the architecture, Siemens was also able to win out over other providers due to the workflow. The starting point was the most efficient, cost-effective workflow, that was customized, as well as patient-friendly, and planning continued from there. The resulting solution perfectly supports the various tasks that have to be handled on a daily basis by the 40 employees in the new department. Fast access to diagnostic images and easy creation of treatment plans are part of the workflow concept, which is oriented towards the most efficient patient therapy, with improved quality and greater safety. Workflow optimization prevents double work and provides that resources are used effectively. As a result, all patient data, including images, is available at all terminals and diagnostic workstations, which simplify and accelerate the work of the medical personnel. All of these important, sometimes minor aspects result in a harmonious overall picture. The strategy of deciding on a turnkey and fixed-cost solution from Siemens was successful for Krems: "I can only recommend that everyone do it like this," is how Associate Professor Gerhard Kronik, MD, Medical Director summarizes his experiences in establishing the new department at his hospital. He is extremely happy that the project could be realized in this manner: "We had played around with the idea for many years, and almost did not believe that it could become reality."