TECHNOLOGY & SOFTWARE Call the Nurse


What can care homes gain from the installation of a modern nurse call system? Allan Aikman from Pinpoint, explains how the technology can maximise patient safety and independence.


First introduced in the 1960s, nurse call systems allow vulnerable patients to remotely alert healthcare workers to their need for assistance.


While technology has evolved so that service users are no longer required to ring a bedside bell, the purpose of the nurse call system remains the same – to swiſtly summon staff to the exact location of a service-user in distress.


In Pinpoint’s case, this comes in various forms. The WristPIT, a personal alarm concealed within a patient wristband, and the Call Button Unit, alarm systems that are mounted in various locations across the site for patients to activate when needed. The WristPIT functions by emitting infrared signals to receiver units installed throughout the building, which in turn, send vital information to display devices for responders to react to.


The installation of nurse call systems in care homes safeguards residents who may be at risk of falls or accidents, affording both the individual and their family greater reassurance of resident wellbeing. Equally, the presence of call buttons in care facilities gives service-users a sense of independence, without compromising on their safety. The systems allow individuals to conduct their daily life relatively freely, with access to immediate help if needed.


EFFICIENCY, PRECISION AND RELIABILITY


Today’s nurse call systems must be efficient, precise, and reliable - the wellbeing of care home residents depends on it. In our 30-year history, Pinpoint has established the gold standard for alarm systems, developing a trusted, accurate and high- performing nurse call system that alerts staff to an incident within milliseconds of being activated. Crucially, employees are informed of the exact location of an alarm call – down to the very bedroom. As care home facilities expand, the ability to pinpoint the precise location of an alarm is vital to deliver timely care to residents in need of support.


Both care home staff and service-users need to be confident that alarm systems are accurate; misdirecting responders during an emergency call or failing to activate can have severe consequences. It is for this reason that modern call systems utilise infrared technology, which is not prone to the same interference or inconsistencies as Wi-Fi-reliant systems. Consequently, employees, residents and their families can place their trust in the dependable performance of contemporary patient alarms.


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THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN NURSE


CALL SYSTEMS The nurse call system of 2024 benefits from an array of technological advancements, transforming it completely from devices used just 20 years ago. The incorporation of antimicrobial technology to prevent bacterial spread, the development of wireless systems, and the enhanced design of personal alarms, are all a testament to the ongoing innovation of these life-saving systems.


For Pinpoint’s part, the latest iteration of our P2 nurse call button includes an IP67 rating, signifying low-pressure water resistance. Such devices can now be installed in shower and bathroom facilities, providing full-time support for care home residents who may be vulnerable to falls or accidents.


Moreover, reporting capabilities are constantly improving, shedding light on alarm usage and patterns of behaviour. With this data, care professionals can gain valuable insight into the health and wellbeing of individual residents, picking up on early warning signs to provide better treatment outcomes.


A vital tool in ensuring the wellbeing and safety of service- users, the nurse call system has rightfully become a mainstay in care facilities across the UK. From the traditional bell caller to modern wireless integrated systems, patient alarms have evolved over the years to meet the stringent demands of today’s healthcare environments. A testament to innovation, nurse call buttons showcase an ongoing commitment to providing the highest standards of care, responsiveness and overall quality of life.


www.pinpoint.ltd.uk www.tomorrowscare.co.uk


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