Would-be patients of any one of the Netcare group of hospitals can now gain valuable insight into the hospitals' services from the group's informative new website (www. netcare.co.za), developed by geographical information systems solution provider, AfriGIS and its sister company Digera Graphics.

"We gave the existing website a complete 'make-over', incorporating a conservative, clinical feel which patients associate with the Netcare group of hospitals," explains Werner Lindeque, Account Executive and Creative Manager at Digera Graphics. "This does not detract from the site's user friendliness, however, and browsers will find it extremely easy to find information on any one of the group's hospitals."

According to AfriGIS web development technical specialist Serena Coetzee, who was responsible for the software development for the site, several enhancements have been incorporated to facilitate browsing. "Navigation has been significantly improved through the incorporation of pop-up menus and easy links to information," she says. "A maximum three clicks is all that is needed to find any information contained on the site.

"Customised software developed by AfriGIS enables us to update the website whenever necessary, thereby ensuring that the information remains current," comments Netcare marketing executive George Baptiste. "AfriGIS has provided invaluable input throughout this project, and their support has been indispensable."

A first for the AfriGIS team is the inclusion of full 360° images of wards, theatres, intensive care and X-ray units. These provide patients with visual images of what the hospital has to offer in terms of care and equipment. "Patients can view a room or unit from any angle, and even move around in it, thanks to sophisticated digital camera equipment," explains Lindeque. "Two 180° photos are taken of the location using a fish-eye lens, and then seamlessly integrated to form one 360° shot. Not many websites boast this feature."

Digera Graphics' capabilities do not end with website development, however. Existing state-of-the-art graphic design hardware and software have been expanded to provide a fully equipped video-editing suite and electronic media production facility. The digital DV motion camera is used to capture images for video or motion graphic production, and ensures flexibility and quick turnaround production times for clients.

The company's comprehensive, one-stop service portfolio also includes the creation of corporate identity and the application thereof to print and promotional material. Digera also communicates the corporate message internally and externally via all the communication channels - print material, interactive CD-Rom, television and the Web.

AfriGIS

(012) 362 3114

Lydette@afrigis.co.za

www.afrigis.co.za