How do I choose a nurse call system?

When running a hospital, care home, or healthcare facility, patient and resident safety is paramount. Every second counts when staff are called to respond to a need. That’s why choosing the right nurse call system is one of the most important infrastructure decisions you can make. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. At Courtney Thorne, we’ve been designing, manufacturing, and installing nurse call solutions for over 50 years, and in this article we’ll guide you through everything you need to know before making your decision.

What is a Nurse Call System?

A nurse call system is a communication tool that allows patients or residents to quickly and effectively request assistance from healthcare staff. These systems come in many forms, ranging from simple call buttons to advanced wireless platforms with integrated monitoring and reporting.
At its core, a nurse call system bridges the gap between those who need care and those who provide it. In hospitals, residents’ rooms, and communal areas, strategically placed call points or wireless devices give patients reassurance that help is only a button press away. For more details on how these products work, you can read our blog article: What are Nurse Call Systems?

Which Organisations need Nurse Call Systems?

Nurse call systems are synonymous with healthcare facilities, with applications that extend to a broad range of different care environments. Any organisation responsible for the health, safety, or wellbeing of individuals can benefit from an effective nurse call system. The most common examples of organisations that require nurse call systems include:

1. Hospitals & Clinics: Nurse call systems are very useful in Hospitals, as they enable rapid staff responses across wards and treatment areas, while also helping to better manage their time.
2. Care Homes & Nursing Homes: Care Homes and nursing homes require a solution to manage staff care schedules, rotas, and calls for assistance from residents.
3. Assisted Living Facilities: Organisations that support people with their independent living make great use out of nurse call systems.
4. Specialist Care: This can include for specialists in areas such as mental health and rehabilitation, as well as dedicated care centres like hospices.
5. Community Healthcare Environments: This includes organisations such as GP surgeries or outpatient treatment centres.

Ultimately, if your organisation provides care, whether short-term or long-term, a nurse call system is not just helpful – it’s essential.

What needs considering when choosing a Nurse Call System?

Selecting the right system can be overwhelming, but breaking it down into key considerations helps ensure you make a choice that serves your organisation both now and in the future. At Courtney Thorne, we recommend evaluating the following 10 factors when choosing a new nurse call system for your organisation.

1. Assess Your Needs:

Start by assessing the specific requirements of your healthcare facility or care home. Consider factors such as the size of the facility, the number of patients or residents you would have on average, the level of care you provide, and any unique needs or challenges you may have.

2. Identify Key Features:

Determine the essential features and functionalities you need in a nurse call system. Some common features to consider include call buttons or pendants, notification systems, communication channels, emergency call capabilities, staff assignment and workflow management, integration with other systems, and reporting/analytics capabilities. Nurse call systems can be optimised with Nurse Call Accessories in a variety of ways to make them fit the bespoke needs of your facility.

3. Scalability and Flexibility:

Consider whether your nurse call system will need to scale and adapt to your future needs. It should be flexible enough to accommodate changes in your facility, such as expansions or modifications to the layout. For example, an older facility that is due for an update might benefit more from a Wireless Nurse Call System, since this design is much more flexible than the traditional hard-wired variant.

4. Ease of Use:

The nurse call system should be intuitive and user-friendly for patients, residents and the healthcare providers themselves. It should have clear and easily understandable interfaces to ensure smooth operation and efficient communication.

5. Integration with Existing Systems:

If you have existing systems in place, such as electronic medical records or patient monitoring systems, consider whether the nurse call system can integrate with them. Nurse Call Integration enables seamless data exchange, improves efficiency, and reduces manual entry or duplication of information.

6. Reliability and Redundancy:

Look for a nurse call system that is reliable and offers redundancy measures to prevent system failures or downtime. The system should have backup power options, redundant communication pathways, and built-in failsafe mechanisms.

7. Support and Maintenance:

Evaluate the level of support and maintenance provided by the vendor. Ensure that they offer technical support, training for staff members, and regular system maintenance to keep the nurse call system running smoothly. With a Courtney Thorne nurse call system, for, example, you will gain access to our 24/7 Technical Support Centre, which you can learn more about by visiting our Support hub.

8. Cost Considerations:

Compare the costs associated with different nurse call systems. Consider not only the initial purchase cost but also ongoing maintenance, support fees, and any additional charges for system upgrades or expansions. As an example, when comparing Wired vs Wireless systems, you will find that they have different costs overall that are linked to things like installation times and infrastructure needs.

9. User Feedback and References:

Seek feedback from other healthcare facilities or care homes that have implemented the nurse call system you are considering. References, testimonials and Case Studies are an excellent resource that can provide insights into your potential system’s performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

10. Regulatory Compliance:

Above all else, it is important to ensure that the nurse call system you have chosen meets the necessary regulatory requirements and standards for healthcare communication systems in your region. There are several important regulations and regulatory bodies you will need to be aware of, such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and HTM Regulations.

How can a Courtney Thorne Nurse Call System Help?

At Courtney Thorne, we understand the unique challenges faced by hospitals, care homes, and healthcare organisations. Our goal is to provide reassurance for patients and residents that help is always available, and confidence for staff that they can deliver high-quality care supported by reliable technology. With this in mind, our nurse call systems are designed to provide reliability, flexibility, and innovation that supports care delivery every day, via:

1. Wireless Expertise: We pioneered wireless nurse call technology in the UK, making installation quick, clean, and disruption-free.
2. Future-Proof Solutions: Our systems are fully-scalable, ensuring that they will be able to adapt as your organisation evolves.
3. Integration Ready: Our nurse call solutions can seamlessly connect to your fire, telephony, and digital care planning systems with ease.
4. Comprehensive Reporting Tools: You can access real-time and historical data very efficiently, helping your staff to monitor performance and improve their efficiency.
5. Unrivalled Support: Our dedicated customer service team and nationwide engineers ensure you are supported 24/7.
6. Proven Track Record: We have been trusted by NHS hospitals, private healthcare providers, and care homes across the UK for over five decades.

Final Thoughts on Choosing a Nurse Call System

Choosing the right nurse call system is one of the most critical investments for any hospital or care home. From ensuring compliance and safety to improving staff efficiency and patient wellbeing, the right choice can transform how care is delivered. At Courtney Thorne, we are proud to be the UK’s leading wireless nurse call system specialists. With our expertise, integration capabilities, and dedication to service, we are here to help you make the right decision for your organisation.

If you have any questions about nurse call systems, or if you would like to discuss how a Courtney Thorne solution could benefit your hospital or care home, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today.

Written by

Barry Vacher

Date

22.08.23