SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 5, 2025 – Siemens Healthineers and Klinikum Region Hannover (KRH) have jointly launched an advanced Infection Control System (ICS) at KRH Klinikum Siloah, a leading regional hospital in Hannover, Germany. The strategic implementation marks a significant move toward reducing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), improving hygiene standards, and safeguarding both patient and staff well-being across the facility.
Combatting Nosocomial Infections with Innovation
Hospital-acquired infections continue to place immense strain on healthcare systems worldwide. In Germany alone, the Robert Koch Institute reported approximately 600,000 nosocomial infections in 2019, with around 20,000 associated deaths. Multi-resistant germs—responsible for a substantial share of such infections—led to an estimated five million global deaths in 2021. The World Health Organization anticipates this number could double by 2050.
Addressing this critical challenge, Siemens Healthineers has equipped KRH Klinikum Siloah with a cutting-edge, cloud-based ICS designed to:
- Rapidly detect and record sources of infection.
- Automatically trigger appropriate containment and hygiene protocols.
- Enable real-time contact tracing for improved outbreak management.
- Reduce staff absenteeism due to infection.
Enhanced Hospital Navigation and Experience
In addition to its core infection control capabilities, the ICS includes an intelligent navigation system that enhances the overall hospital experience. This mobile application guides staff, patients, and visitors through the hospital while avoiding restricted zones, ensuring timely arrivals at key departments such as radiology, cardiology, and operating theaters.
This feature not only improves operational efficiency but also contributes to a safer and more streamlined healthcare environment.
Technology Backed by Strategic Collaboration
The ICS is built on a RealTime Location System (RTLS) architecture utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.0 and RFID technologies to locate individuals and track contacts. Siemens Healthineers worked in close partnership with KRH experts throughout the project, leveraging their longstanding scientific collaboration to tailor the solution to the hospital’s unique operational needs.
The system integrates various hardware and software elements, some sourced through technology partners, ensuring flexibility and scalability across multiple use cases.
Centralized Infection Monitoring and Process Optimization
KRH Klinikum Siloah’s Infection Control Team (ICT) plays a pivotal role in the system’s operation, overseeing:
- Surveillance of suspected and confirmed infections.
- Execution of immediate response measures.
- Analysis of operational workflows to enhance safety, quality, and transparency.
The ICS also delivers in-depth data analytics, enabling hospital administrators to make informed decisions and refine infection control protocols continuously.
Scalable Implementation Across the Hannover Region
As part of a broader digital transformation strategy, the ICS project at KRH Klinikum Siloah serves as a flagship initiative. The hospital, which houses 564 beds and treats over 24,000 inpatients annually, stands to benefit significantly from this technology-led approach to infection prevention.
The implementation involves a phased rollout supported by Siemens Healthineers through comprehensive consulting, infrastructure deployment, and change management support. Once successfully embedded at KRH Klinikum Siloah, the ICS may be introduced across other KRH sites in the Hannover region, including nine additional hospitals and care facilities under the KRH GmbH network.
Driving Healthcare Efficiency and Safety
By adopting this advanced infection control solution, KRH Klinikum Siloah is positioning itself at the forefront of digital health innovation in Europe. The ICS not only addresses a growing public health concern but also offers measurable returns on investment through improved staff productivity, reduced patient complications, and minimized disruption to clinical operations.