Intelligent bedside screens at NRC to help patients maintain independence | Latest news

Technology is being implemented at the innovative NRC to help our patients to maintain their independence as they recover from life-changing injuries and illnesses and regain quality of life.

Airwave Healthcare has been selected to equip bedrooms at the new centre with ‘intelligent bedside terminals’ iPads that will provide much more than the entertainment services that patients would typically enjoy at home.

The NRC will be run and staffed by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and is due to open later this year. 

The terminals will be integrated into the NRC’s systems, allowing patients to control their own environment – operating room blinds, lighting and heating – which will be important to help our patients to maintain their independence as they recover from severe illnesses or injuries, such as brain injuries. 

Educational content relevant to each individual’s rehabilitation journey will be made available through the same device, as will personalised diaries to keep patients informed about their daily activity schedule. 

Electronic patient record integration will mean that patients are kept informed as active participants in their rehabilitation – with live access to information on their estimated discharge date, medications, diet, care teams and other important insights relevant to the individual. 

Patients will also be able to video call friends and loved ones from accessible devices, and even order meals directly from the same device – all through an enhanced version of a service called MyCareTV, designed to help patients during their treatment.

Miriam Duffy, NRC Director, said: “Our innovative approach to rehabilitation at the NRC will be a game-changer both for patients and rehabilitation as a whole. This technology is one of a wide range of measures designed to deliver that step change for patients, helping them to engage in their ongoing rehabilitation 24 hours a day. 

“Intelligent bedside terminals will help to promote independence for our patients, many of whom have life-changing injuries. For patients with limited mobility, it will mean they can use the technology in their room to control their environment, without having to ask a member of staff. And for patients who may have impacted memory from brain injuries, it is another means by which we can keep them informed about what is happening in their care.” 

Airwave Healthcare was chosen following a stringent procurement process, based on factors including cost and extensive experience supporting providers in the NHS. 

Dean Moody, healthcare services director at Airwave Healthcare, said: “In any hospital environment, investment in technology that helps to stimulate and engage patients in their care is important to enhance recovery. 

“The needs of patients at the National Rehabilitation Centre place this in sharper focus. We will continue to work with healthcare professionals to understand changing needs and innovate to respond throughout this agreement. 

“It is a privilege to support the NRC, a strong example of excellence in rehabilitation transformation, and we are committed to helping staff as they deliver the best for patients.”