Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has become the UK’s first to implement a healthcare industry representative credentialing system widely used in the US to improve patient safety and infection control.
The Trust’s two large teaching hospitals, Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s University Hospital, plus four smaller sites, see around 1.5 million patients annually. The Trust went fully ‘live’ with IntelliCentrics’ Reptrax system in April. The online system allows hospitals to control access by healthcare industry representatives. Entry requirements are determined by each hospital, but can include an up-to-date DBS (previously CRB) check, relevant immunisations, and professional accreditations. Healthcare representatives pre-register via the system, which confirms their compliance status on their arrival. Reptrax is a secure, web-based solution free to hospitals; representatives pay an annual membership fee. When a representative arrives, the hospital receptionist or security officer logs onto the Reptrax portal to view an immediate summary of their level of compliance with the facility’s safety and security access policy. The system prints a time and date-stamped photograph identification badge for the representative to wear throughout their visit.
