Enhancing patient care with voice-activated controls
The Connected Room Solutions from Schneider Electric has been deployed at Healthcare at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust, offering a trial of voice-activated room controls at the Linden Lodge neuro-rehabilitation unit.
This technology allows patients to independently adjust the temperature, blinds and lighting in their rooms, either via a bedside terminal or voice command. The aim is to reduce the dependency on clinical staff for non-medical tasks, allowing them to focus more on patient care. The installation is part of a broader trial to assess various technologies before implementing them at the new National Rehabilitation Centre, set to open in Summer 2025.
The EcoStruxure Connected Room Solutions integrates with Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Building Data Platform and EcoStruxure HVAC, securely linking and controlling IoT-enabled devices. The installation process was carefully managed to avoid disrupting patient care, particularly in an older building with specific design challenges.
Lisa Yates, digital strategy lead at NUH, says: “All the technologies we are currently testing at Linden Lodge are critical in giving our patients a sense of independence as they receive treatment after serious illness or injury. The ability to adapt the conditions in their rooms helps to create a positive patient experience. We’re also finding that giving patients autonomy is reducing pressure on staff too as there are far fewer calls for assistance, allowing them to focus on clinical care and rehabilitation.”
