The Nurse Call System Installation Process: Explained

Nurse call systems are a staple of most healthcare institutions, not just in the UK, but globally. You will struggle to find a hospital, a care home, or any other kind of organisation without one, and all of these places have sought out the means of installing a system at some point in their history. As the UK’s foremost designer, manufacturer, and installer of nurse call systems, we at Courtney Thorne know exactly what goes into this crucial process. 

Within this article, we aim to explore and explain the full installation of an average nurse call system to you, from the initial surveys and planning steps required, all the way through to the mechanics of the installation itself and the final handover – with specific attention to key questions to remember, and the pitfalls to avoid. 

What are the different types of Nurse Call System?

Before the installation progress begins, it is vital for anyone interested in a new system to understand that there is actually a range of different types of nurse call systems available; each with their own unique qualities and uses. At Courtney Thorne, we typically divide these system types into three broad categories: wired, wireless, and hybrid.

Do different types of nurse call systems require different installation processes?

Yes. The installation process for wired, wireless and hybrid nurse call systems differs significantly – both in terms of the infrastructure requirements, how important avoiding disruption is to any existing services, the lead-in planning exercises required, commissioning and ongoing maintenance needs. In short, one type of nurse call system will need certain considerations that another one might not, and this is in large part due to the fact that each one is better suited to healthcare organisations, can come equipped with lots of Accessories, and much more. For more information on the types of Nurse Call Products and Systems in our range, as an example, you can visit our dedicated Nurse Call Systems product page, or our Nurse Call Systems Glossary.

The Installation Process: Step by Step

Putting all of the above together, a nurse-call installation typically follows the following generalised process. This works for hospitals, care homes and other healthcare facilities.

1. Needs assessment & initial consultation

In this stage, your team (most likely consisting of individuals like ward managers, care-home operators, and facilities staff) meets with a supplier such as Courtney Thorne to review some of the requirements relevant to the installation, for example, the following 5 points: 

1. The number of beds/residents, and the overall layout of the ward.
2. Your staffing model, including any existing systems, such as electronic medical record systems (ERMs).
3. Any relevant future expansion plans
4. The overall budget. 
5. Physical constraints of the building and the project, such as ageing buildings, listed-status, the difficulty of wiring, areas out of reach, and integration requirements. 

2. System design & specification

Based on the results of the survey, the system specification is defined. We would now know which type of system you would require that would best suit your environment (a wired, wireless or hybrid build), the best Nurse Call Accessories to implement, the number of call-points needed and where they should be placed in the facility, the required standards needed to be complied with (such as HTM Regulations), power and backup supply needs, alarm priorities, and much more. This phase would also include things like the preparation of floor and documentation plans, handover items, and an installation schedule.

3. Procurement and planning

Once the system’s design and specification is confirmed, the hardware and software will be procured, and a final project plan is agreed. This plan will include valuable information such as: 

1. Installation dates and phases (phases being especially relevant for live sites). 
2. Resource coordination (electrical, building services, estates, nursing staff). 
3. Risk assessment measures, covering things like contingency for system-down periods, infection-control procedures, and patient/resident safety during installation.

4. Infrastructure installation

This is the “hands-on” phase of the nurse call installation process, and covers all aspects to do with cabling, trunking, power supply, networks, and more. Wired, wireless, and hybrid systems all have unique requirements for a successful implementation, which we will explore below:

1. Wired Systems: We would look to install cable-routes, trunking, bedhead modules, call-buttons, pull-cords, over-door indicators, displays, staff-stations, power supply and backup batteries.
2. Wireless Systems: We would look to install receivers, mount call buttons/pendants/pull cords, mount over-door lights, configure mobile-device alerts, and set up the wireless network.
3. Hybrid Systems: A hybrid nurse call system is unique in that it utilises both wired and wireless technology. Therefore, depending on the project, aspects of both will be used in the installation process.

5. System configuration, programming & integration

Once the hardware involved in a nurse call system has been installed, the programming stage begins, wherein wireless components are finalised, integration with other systems is completed, and more.

1. Integration with existing systems: We would look to integrate your newly installed nurse call solution with any existing systems you have, or want to have. For example, any existing fire-alarm interfaces, building-management systems, or mobile apps (e.g. our Altra Go app). 
2. Wireless Setup: If wireless components are used, we would need to programme pendants, set up the correct radio frequencies, ensure that battery status is logged, and set up any remote diagnostics.
3. User Settings: We would also look to create user-profiles, training set-ups, and define fault-reporting pathways for your staff to use.

6. Testing & Staff Training

This is a vital phase for a safe hand-over; once everything has been installed and programmed correctly, we need to make sure that everything is working as it should. Within this testing phase, we would look to:

1. Test every call-point and nurse call accessory by simulating all call-types.
2. Test fault-monitoring, battery backup, wireless signal strength, and system performance under load.
3. Validate system compliance with standards and provide documentation for audit trails. 
4. Train your care teams regarding how to use the system, how calls appear, how to reset it, how to respond properly to call requests, and how to manage faults. Training may be in-person, or via how-to videos, user guides and courses. 

7. Hand Over

Once all of the testing and staff training modules have been completed, we will then hand over the system officially to your care team. This would involve ensuring that all of your staff are comfortable with the workflows, and making sure that any anomalies with the system are captured and rectified. Sign-off documentation will then be handed over, as well as keys, passwords, maintenance schedules, and emergency contact details.

8. Post-installation support & maintenance

The nurse call system installation doesn’t simply end at hand-over, however. A nurse call system must be maintained to remain reliable. At Courtney Thorne, we would offer you several key support steps, including:

How does the Installation Process differ between System Types?

As already alluded to in the previous sections, the installation process varies significantly between wired, wireless, and hybrid nurse call systems, with each presenting their own technical considerations, logistical challenges, and operational implications. Understanding these differences is vital when planning a system installation or upgrade, as the method of deployment directly affects disruption levels, installation time, and long-term maintenance.

Wireless System Installation

A wireless nurse call system is simpler to install infrastructure wise; with fewer cables, less trunking, and less building fabric disruption. The hardware installations are generally much faster than wired systems, but require a careful survey of wireless coverage, battery planning, radio-interference assessment, and robust commissioning of signal strength and resilience.

Wired System Installation

Wired systems require a wide variety of physical measures for a successful installation, including cable-routes, trunking, coordination with electrical and building-services contractors, possibly floor/wall chasing or coverage of cable routes. While making them more reliable in places than a wireless system, these factors make them more time-consuming, potentially more disruptive (especially in live operational wards) and more dependent on early-stage planning overall.

Hybrid System Installation

A hybrid nurse call system will require a combination of both approaches – wired infrastructure for core areas, plus wireless subsystems. This means installation planning must combine the discipline of wired systems with the flexibility of a wireless installation, and the commissioning must cover both wired and wireless parts, integration between them, and full system testing.

How does Courtney Thorne ensure an effective installation?

At the heart of every successful nurse call installation lies a foundation of expertise, precision, and partnership – values that have defined Courtney Thorne since 1968. With over five decades of experience designing, manufacturing, and installing nurse call systems, we bring in-house engineering excellence and deep sector knowledge to deliver systems that meet both clinical and operational needs. We always deliver an effective installation of our systems by maintaining the following:

1. Comprehensive Consultation: Every installation starts with a detailed consultation process, during which our specialists work closely with estates teams, care managers, and nursing staff to fully understand the environment and its challenges. This collaborative approach ensures that each system is designed specifically for the building layout, care model, and staffing structure it will serve.

2. Quality & Minimal Disruption: Once the design is agreed, the installation is delivered with a meticulous focus on quality and minimal disruption. We utilise site surveys to map wireless signal coverage and avoid interference, while power and safety checks are completed for all wired components. All devices are programmed, tested, and validated before handover, and our teams work within strict infection control and health and safety protocols, ensuring minimal disruption throughout. The result is a smooth, professional process that delivers a fully functional nurse call system ready for immediate use, without compromising the quality of care.

3. Ongoing Support: Beyond installation, our commitment continues via commissioning, training, and ongoing support. Each system undergoes rigorous testing to confirm performance, resilience, and compliance, and care teams receive tailored training so that staff can operate the system confidently from day one. Post-installation, our Technical Assistance Centre offers 24-hour emergency support, alongside a choice of maintenance and service contracts designed to keep systems operating at peak reliability. This end-to-end service, from design to installation, commissioning, and aftercare, ensures that every project not only meets regulatory standards, but also delivers lasting peace of mind for hospitals and care providers alike.

Final Thoughts on Nurse Call Installations

Installing a nurse call system is a complex but essential process that underpins the safety, efficiency, and responsiveness of any healthcare environment. From the initial survey and system design through to installation, commissioning, and aftercare, success depends on expert planning, technical precision, and ongoing support. 

At Courtney Thorne, every project is delivered with meticulous attention to detail, minimal disruption, and a dedication to long-term performance, ensuring that healthcare providers receive a system that works seamlessly from day one and continues to support exceptional standards of care. For hospitals, care homes, and healthcare operators seeking expert advice or a trusted partner for their next nurse call project, we encourage you to get in touch with Courtney Thorne to discuss your requirements or to learn more about how a well-planned installation can transform your communication and care delivery.

Written by

Barry Vacher

Date

28.11.25