February 4, 2020 – Richmond University Medical Center has partnered with Innovare Medical Media (Innovare) to enhance the experience for every individual that walks through the hospital’s doors: free cell phone charging stations at multiple locations throughout the hospital’s main building at 355 Bard Avenue.
The new charging stations can charge multiple phones or devices at one time. The stations also have large electronic display screens which project a rotation of advertisements about hospital services and ads for local businesses. The stations are located in the main lobby, visitor lounge for Labor and Delivery, the hospital cafeteria, and the waiting areas for ambulatory surgery, the intensive care unit and the emergency department.
“Smart phones and devices have become an integral part of everyone’s life. This is especially true at our hospital where patients, visitors and staff are all trying to stay connected with loved ones or up to date on medical issues,” president and chief executive officer, Dr. Daniel J. Messina, said.
Working with Richmond University Medical Center, Innovare mapped out locations inside the hospital were the units would be frequently used and easily accessible. They then installed the units and assumed responsibility for all service and maintenance. There was no cost to the hospital for the units. Local businesses were solicited by Innovare to purchase advertising space on the units. Innovare will contribute a percentage of the advertising revenue back to the hospital. The hospital is planning to expand installation of the charging stations to its outpatient sites in the next few months. Innovare is also still receiving interest from local businesses looking to advertise on the stations.
“There has been tremendous support from local and regional businesses during the launch of this program. Innovare expects to deliver over $150,000 in revenue contributions to the medical center through this partnership,” said Michael Ricciardi, partner at Innovare. “Along with the free digital marketing charging solutions Innovare provided, these revenue contributions will go a long way to supporting the medical center.”
The charging stations are the latest technology enhancement provided at Richmond University Medical Center. Last year, the hospital unveiled its “Patient Tracker” which sends text messages to mobile phones in real time. Patient Tracker is activated when a patient is being prepared for surgery. Patients are asked if they would like someone to receive updates during their procedure. If the patient agrees, the patient provides a person’s name, phone number and carrier service. The selected individual will then receive text messages on their device as information is entered into the hospital’s internal patient procedure tracking system.
