TECHNOLOGY
How modern hospitals rethink communication
Effective communication is key to safe, efficient hospital operations – yet some estates and facilities teams are still relying on fragmented, outdated systems. Kevin Brown, CEO and co-founder of BlueSky Wireless, explores how integrated communication platforms can improve coordination, strengthen compliance, and improve response across healthcare estates.
In the complex world of healthcare estates, every second matters. For estates and facilities managers, clinical leaders and operational teams, the ability to communicate effectively underpins not only day-to-day efficiency but also patient safety and regulatory compliance. Hospitals are intricate, high-pressure environments where the smallest delay or miscommunication can have significant consequences. As the NHS and private healthcare providers continue to modernise, integrated communication platforms are emerging as a practical solution to some of the most persistent challenges in healthcare delivery.
The challenge of coordination in modern hospitals Hospitals are unlike any other workplace. They operate continuously, supporting thousands of staff, patients and visitors at all hours. The sheer scale and diversity of operations – clinical, technical, logistical and administrative – demand a level of coordination that is hard to match in any other sector. Estates teams keep critical infrastructure functioning, facilities staff maintain safe and clean environments, porters move patients and equipment, and security teams safeguard people and assets. All of these roles are interdependent, and their effectiveness is closely tied to how well information flows between them. Yet, despite advances in clinical technology, many
hospitals still rely on a patchwork of communication systems. Radios, pagers, landlines, emails and even consumer messaging apps are used side by side. This fragmented approach can lead to delays, duplication, and, at worst, confusion during critical incidents. When a major incident occurs – be it a fire alarm, a water leak, or a security alert – the ability to mobilise the right teams quickly and keep everyone informed is vital. Even in less dramatic scenarios, such as routine maintenance or patient transfers, poor communication can erode efficiency and morale. The impact of communication gaps is often felt most
keenly in the estates and facilities domain. Consider a scenario where a burst pipe is discovered in a clinical area. Estates may be called to fix the source, but unless facilities are notified, the area may not be cleaned and made safe for staff and patients. Domestic services assistants need to be informed to prevent the spread of contaminants and ward managers may need to move patients or adjust clinical activity. If any link in this chain is delayed or missed, the response slows, risks increase, and patient care can be compromised. These situations are not isolated. Across the NHS,
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estates and facilities managers report similar challenges – messages relayed by phone can be missed, emails go unread in busy inboxes, and radio messages can be lost in the noise of a busy day. A facilities manager at a large teaching hospital summed it up: “Our people are ready to act, but the way information moves means we’re often a step behind when we should be a step ahead.”
Why traditional systems are no longer enough Historically, estates and facilities teams have relied on a combination of tools. Radios offer immediacy but lack privacy and auditability. Pagers whilst robust are outdated
Recent advances in communication technology have led to the development of platforms such as Smart Console V2.
Many platforms can be layered onto existing infrastructure, requiring only a software update rather than a full hardware overhaul.
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