Ghent University Hospital

Seamless Critical Communication Thanks to Intelligent Lighting at UZ Gent

UZ Gent aims to provide nurses and patients on the (COVID) respiratory ward with a more efficient and improved care experience. To achieve this, the hospital recently adopted the innovative top technology of LynX® for seamless critical communication. What exactly does this system enable?

In collaboration with 25-8, UZ Gent integrated smartphones, intelligent lighting, and a (wireless) medical and nurse call system into the daily operation of the respiratory ward. This not only optimized the ward but also allows nurses to care for patients better and more efficiently than ever before. Moreover, the system was installed fully redundant, ensuring patient and medical calls remain guaranteed even during a sudden power outage.

The respiratory ward now features a brand-new medical call system, allowing nurses to consult medical equipment monitoring their patients anytime and from anywhere via their smartphones. Each bedside is equipped with four connection points that can only be operated by authorized personnel using a badge. LED lighting behind the connection points clearly indicates whether the medical equipment is properly connected.

Always Close, Even from a Distance

Additionally, every room in the renovated respiratory ward is equipped with a small display featuring a speak-listen connection. When nurses have their hands full and cannot operate their smartphones, they can communicate with patients or colleagues and respond to calls via this system with voice feedback. Care recipients can easily place a call using their wireless call button.

Fast Response When Needed

When nurses need to assist in a room, they are now visually supported by smart lighting, enabling them to reach the patient in need faster than ever.

Each status — nurse call, assistance call, emergency call — has its own color. Emergency calls are indicated by blue light blocks that move over white light toward the intervention location.

In addition, the LED lighting contributes to an optimal atmosphere. Nurses can choose the light color and intensity themselves, or the system follows a time-based program. During the day, the ward is brightly lit with a subtle blue tint, which facilitates screen consultation and document reading. In the evening, the light becomes more intimate and dimmed to create a soothing environment.