 |
|
|
|
| Press Release |
|
|
|
NOVELL DONATES TELECOMM EQUIPMENT TO IHC
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah -- March 12, 1996 -- Intermountain Health Care (IHC) received a major donation of data communications equipment from Orem-based Novell, Inc. that will help the nonprofit health care company improve its nationally recognized and award-winning communications network. "Although Novell rarely donates surplus equipment to organizations other than public schools, the company was eager to make this particular donation," said Linda Linfield, senior manager of Novell Community Relations. "IHC is striving to improve the quality of and access to medical services in communities where significant numbers of Novell employees live and work, and where Novell is committed to making a positive difference in the overall quality of life." The donated equipment, valued at $140,000, would cost more than $600,000 to purchase new. It will be installed in IHC facilities to enhance and expand IHC's data communications network. "The donation from Novell is very generous and greatly appreciated," said Blake Jensen, IHC assistant vice president of Information Systems. "It will help us serve our patients more effectively." IHC installed its high-speed data communications network in 1989, connecting 23 hospitals and 40 other health care sites. These phone and computer connections help IHC improve patient care and reduce medical costs by transferring information quickly and easily. A significant advantage of the network for IHC patients in rural areas is increased access to medical expertise. Some rural hospitals use the network to transfer radiologic, or x-ray, images to larger hospitals where specialists view the images and make treatment suggestions. The network is also used by small rural facilities that sometimes rely on larger hospitals for clinical test results and medical information. Not only does the network allow increased access to medical care, but it also results in lower patient charges. The data communications network puts all connected facilities on the same local exchange, so phone calls that would otherwise be long distance are now being billed as local calls. This system has reduced long distance costs by more than $1 million per year and has decreased total communications costs by more than $2 million annually. These savings are passed on to patients of IHC facilities in the form of lower charges. The IHC telecommunications network is the only one of its type used by health care facilities in Utah. It has attracted visitors from health care organizations in California, Texas, Kentucky and Illinois -- all of which are considering establishing the same type of system. The network has also been featured in several national publications and won national awards for its innovative design and effectiveness. IHC is a charitable, community-owned, nonprofit health care organization based in Salt Lake City that serves the health needs of Utah, Idaho and Wyoming residents. The IHC system includes health insurance plans, 23 hospitals, clinics and affiliated physicians. Last year, in 99,000 cases, IHC hospitals and associated clinics provided more than $22 million in charitable assistance. The mission of IHC is to provide quality medical care to persons with a medical need, regardless of ability to pay. Novell, Inc. (NASDAQ: Novell), is the world's leading networking software provider. Novell software provides the infrastructure for a networked world, enabling customers to connect with other people and the information they need, any time and any place. Novell partners with other technology and market leaders to help customers make networks a part of their everyday lives. Novell is a trademark of Novell, Inc.
Press Contacts:
Linda Linfield |
|
|
