Discover How Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust is Revolutionising Maternity Care with Silent Technology

The bustling maternity wards at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) are on the verge of a significant transformation, aiming to become serene havens for new mothers and their babies.

The Trust has launched the Silent Hospital Pilot Project in its postnatal ward, which incorporates a smart technology solution to silence patient call bells and redirect alerts to mobile devices carried by healthcare professionals.

Smart Solutions for a Serene Environment

The pilot involves sophisticated software that channels the traditional noise of nurse call bells directly to the mobile phones of midwives and nursing staff. This innovative approach not only aims to maintain effective communication between patients and staff but also seeks to foster a quieter and more calming environment. This could potentially lead to improved wellbeing, faster recovery times for patients, and more efficient communication on the ward.

Sally’s Vision for a Quieter Ward

Sally Brittain, the Director of Midwifery at RCHT, is enthusiastic about the prospects of the trial, particularly for the Wheal Fortune Ward, known for its vibrant yet noisy atmosphere. “Our postnatal ward is always a busy place,” Sally notes, “and many parents and newborn babies, especially those born prematurely, struggle to get the rest they need.” She hopes that the silent call technology will prove its worth by providing a much quieter ward, enhancing the care environment for the vulnerable newborns and their families.

Tech Partnerships and Future Plans

The Silent Hospital Pilot Project is the result of extensive planning and collaboration with international and local tech firms—DNV Imatis from Norway and TClarke from the UK. Roberta Fuller, Programme Director for the Women and Children’s Hospital Programme at RCHT, sheds light on the broader aspirations of the project. “This pilot is an integral part of the new Women and Children’s Hospital Programme,” she explains, highlighting that the trial uses regular mobile phones, avoiding the need for bespoke digital devices.

Roberta outlines further technological advancements being considered, including patient and equipment tracking, wayfinding software, and enhanced management of essential services such as cleaning and catering. The programme also eyes environmental sustainability, with plans to integrate smart control of heating, lighting, and ventilation within the hospital setting.

A Milestone in Digital Healthcare Transformation

Cesilie Kullerud from DNV Imatis celebrates the collaboration with RCHT. With two decades of experience working alongside hospitals, Cesilie is confident about the positive impact of their digital solutions on hospital noise levels and overall patient care. “We are delighted to contribute to the digital transformation at RCHT,” she states, emphasising the potential benefits of their technology in creating a peaceful, supportive environment for both staff and patients.

As the Silent Hospital Pilot Project proceeds, the findings will be keenly observed not only by RCHT but by healthcare providers everywhere, signalling a shift towards more digitised and patient-friendly hospital environments. If successful, this pilot could pave the way for similar innovations across the NHS, transforming the experience of healthcare with just the touch of a button.