Learning from the latest digital technologies to support future patient care
Colleagues from RCHT recently visited the Digital Patient Experience Centre to learn more about innovative technologies that could support patient care, staff wellbeing and operational efficiency in our new Women and Children’s Hospital.
Tamsin Allen, Karl Schiffer and Bob Davies spent time with DNV Imatis and Wandsworth Healthcare exploring a range of digital solutions in action, including alarm management technology designed to reduce unnecessary noise, improve communication and create calmer ward environments.
The visit built on the success of RCHT’s Silent Hospital pilot project and provided insight into how integrated digital infrastructure can support more responsive, patient‑centred care. It also offered an opportunity to understand the practical engineering, installation and lifecycle requirements behind these systems, which will be used to support Estates and Digital teams as planning for the Women and Children’s Hospital progresses.
Reflecting on the day, Bob Davies, Senior Electrical Manager, said: “It was a really interesting opportunity to get hands‑on with the latest nurse call technology, see how the equipment is manufactured and tested, and speak directly with the engineers who design and support it. Understanding how these systems interface with wider ‘smart hospital’ technology and what that means for installation, maintenance and long‑term support is incredibly valuable for us as Estates engineers.”
Tamsin Allen, Digital Project Support Officer, added: “Our pilot has already shown the potential to reduce unnecessary noise and alarm fatigue, and this visit really brought to life how connected digital infrastructure can support wellbeing for patients and staff, while improving patient flow. It’s given us real food for thought as we plan the digital environment for our new Women and Children’s Hospital.”
The learning from the visit will help RCHT identify opportunities to strengthen its digital strategy, including exploring how alarm management, digital coordination platforms and connected infrastructure could be used across clinical areas. This aligns closely with the New Hospital Programme’s ambition for modern, digitally enabled hospitals and supports RCHT’s commitment to building a smart, future‑ready Women and Children’s Hospital.
