Case Study: Saratoga Hospital achieves reduced infection risk and PPE conservation with Stryker Vocera communication solution

Saratoga Hospital Reduces Risk of Infection for Patients and Staff During COVID-19 and Beyond

Saratoga Hospital, the only 117‑bed acute‑care facility in Saratoga County, faced an imminent COVID‑19 surge in spring 2020 and needed to protect staff, conserve PPE, and maintain clear communication with patients and clinicians working in isolation rooms. The hospital also had to adapt workflows in its expanded, all‑private‑room ICU to minimize staff exposure during high‑risk procedures like intubation.

Saratoga deployed the wearable Vocera communication device and mobile app—integrated with patient monitors and nurse‑call systems—so clinicians could communicate hands‑free under PPE, coordinate runners for forgotten supplies, and allow observers outside isolation rooms to guide procedures. The solution helped the hospital communicate safely and efficiently in isolation, reduce PPE use and donning/doffing, limit the number of staff exposed during intubations, and increase clinician confidence during COVID‑19 care.

Saratoga Hospital

Diane Bartos

Director of ICCU