Virtual Linux is the prescription for hospital patients

By Stephen Withers
Thursday, 02 July 2009 12:06

Open Source

A Californian hospital is using Linux virtual desktops to provide patients with email and web access.

Glendale Adventist Medical Center (GAMC) has installed thin clients running Linux virtual desktops in 65 patient rooms in its new West Tower.

"Just as easily as the hospital provides patients with TVs in rooms, now we provide personal computing," said Roger Pruyne, senior programmer/analyst and project manager for the GAMC Patient Computing project.

The system combines NoMachine's NX remote access and virtualisation software, SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop, and an IBM System x3650 server.

GAMC estimates that this approach saves 98 percent of the cost that would have been involved if conventional PCs had been selected.

Virtualisation keeps the cost down while maintaining privacy and security. No data is stored on the thin clients, so there's no need to wipe those devices when a patient is discharged.

"NX's unique compression and caching features also provide a seamless remote connection from the thin client to the server, giving the patients the feel of being on their own personal computer, while reducing power consumption and support costs," said Sarah Dryell, business development manager at NoMachine.

GAMC is planning to extend its use of virtual desktops to employees and clinicians.

"Considering our patients' positive feedback, we're looking to expand the project to other Adventist Health hospital locations," added Pruyne.

Just over a month ago, iTWire reported on another institutional use of Linux for 'guests' - the PrisonPC system recently installed at the Alexander Maconochie Centre correctional facility in Australia . PrisonPC uses thick clients with centralised storage. Ubuntu Linux was selected for that product.