Stichting Zorggroep Almere

Zorggroep Almere is a healthcare provider based in Almere, the Netherlands. The organization offers care and treatment across all stages of life — from maternity and youth healthcare to general practice, pharmacy services, district nursing, physiotherapy, geriatric rehabilitation, and residential elderly care.

They provide primary healthcare in health centers, at out-of-hours GP posts, and in home settings. When living at home is no longer possible, clients can move into one of Zorggroep Almere’s residential care centers.

MultiBel is used at Stichting Zorggroep Almere across eight locations as a silent evacuation alarm system. The first site went live as a pilot in October/November 2022, and the final site followed approximately seven months later.

Before Implementing MultiBel

Previously, the different locations used DECT systems for alerts triggered by the evacuation alarm system. One of the main challenges was that — due to high workload and the focus on direct care tasks — DECT phones were sometimes forgotten or not switched on.

Paul explains:

With DECT, our process wasn’t fully covered.

Because Zorggroep Almere’s nursing staff were already using smartphones for the nurse call system, it made perfect sense to also use the smartphone for evacuation alerts.

Implementing MultiBel

Two important focus points at the start of the project were Wi-Fi coverage (for MultiBel’s voice functionality) and GSM reception.
The Wi-Fi network was extended at several locations, while checks confirmed that GSM coverage was already sufficient.

During the implementation phase, the care staff were actively involved by the organization.

After Implementing MultiBel

Where previously there were an average of four DECT devices per location, there are now about fifteen smartphones configured with MultiBel at each site.

Paul:

The smartphones were already in use because the nurse call system also runs on them. That’s what makes it so efficient — we now have multiple applications on one device. It improves efficiency and ensures that the devices are always carried. Having several functions on a single device gives us better coverage and reliability.

During discussions, Franc and Paul also mentioned that another major advantage of the system is that the software provides real-time insight into the presence of the required emergency response officers (BHV).

As part of the project, all fire safety plans were updated and the necessary certifications completed.

Paul adds:

Now I’m confident that our locations are in order — the entire process has improved fire safety.

The MultiBel solution as a silent evacuation system, has been positively received by the staff.

Franc:

They no longer had to carry DECT devices — the alerts now simply come through on the phone.

MultiBel in Practice

Fortunately, there have not yet been any real emergencies such as an actual fire.
However, MultiBel has been triggered on several occasions.

Paul:

All eight residential care centers are equipped with MultiBel. It happens quite often that a resident presses a manual alarm button, or something burns in the kitchen. It’s usually nothing serious — but it’s clear that the system works perfectly.

MultiBel is also tested regularly at every site during evacuation drills.

When asked about his overall experience with MultiBel, Paul responded:

It’s just great — I think it’s a fantastic system!