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Building the World’s Smartest Hospital: 9Solutions Partners with OYS 2030

How integrated RTLS and smart nurse call systems are transforming patient care and staff safety at Oulu University Hospital.
2024-10-29
2 min read
Aerial view of OYS

Oulu University Hospital (OYS) has set a bold vision: to become the world's smartest hospital by 2030. As part of the OYS 2030 renewal program, 9Solutions is proud to provide the technological backbone for this digital transformation. By integrating real-time locating systems (RTLS) with advanced nurse call and personal safety solutions, we are helping OYS reduce manual workflows, eliminate "alarm fatigue," and ensure that clinicians can focus on what they do best—caring for patients in a high-tech, human-centered environment.

The New OYS: 9Solutions Involved in Building the World’s Smartest Hospital

The new Oulu University Hospital (OYS) has been inaugurated, with the ambitious goal of becoming the world's smartest hospital by 2030. Through the OYS 2030 renewal program, the hospital leverages cutting-edge technology and modern facilities to provide the highest quality care. 9Solutions is a proud partner in this landmark project.

(picture: OYS2030)

A Vision for World-Class Care

The OYS vision is to provide the world’s best care for every patient, in the right place at the right time. The new facilities are designed to be adaptable to meet future needs. By utilizing technology, the hospital aims to reduce manual labor and free up caregivers' time for patient interaction.

Safety and Seamlessness for the New Hospital

The 9Solutions locating nurse call and personal safety system plays a central role in creating the OYS smart hospital environment. Alerts and tasks equipped with real-time, room-level location data enable rapid assistance and increase safety for both patients and staff. "Extra steps" are eliminated as the locations of people and equipment, alarm acknowledgments, and upcoming tasks are managed via a mobile app in the clinician's pocket, rather than at a fixed nursing station.

Key Features of the Smart Environment:

  • Room-Level Locating: Precise real-time tracking increases safety. (Read more: OYS Verso Customer Experience).
  • Smart Access Control: Personalized access rights for staff and patients allow for free movement while reducing accident risks, particularly for those with memory disorders.
  • Personal Safety: Staff are equipped with duress buttons to call for help instantly. Alerts are routed to nearby colleagues’ mobile devices, security guards, or external alarm centers. (Read more: OYS Emergency Department Experience).
  • Asset Tracking: Real-time location data for medical devices reduces search time, optimizes logistics, and simplifies shared use and maintenance.

Integrations and Intelligent Infrastructure

The 9Solutions system integrates seamlessly with nearly 20 other hospital systems at OYS, including medical gas monitoring, Hospital ERP, DALI lighting control, pneumatic tube systems, and CCTV. These integrations ensure efficient data flow, enabling remote device operation, optimized energy efficiency, and coordinated security responses.

Supporting Daily Hospital Life

The system helps improve the daily lives of nurses by reducing alarm fatigue and unnecessary physical strain. Nurse calls, asset tracking, and task management are all handled within a single application. By eliminating the need to toggle between multiple apps, staff save time and can focus on building quality relationships with their patients.

Holding a phone with 9solutions smooth lite app

Positive Feedback from Phase One

The first phase, Building E, was completed in 2022. Staff feedback has been highly positive, with caregivers appreciating the continuity of the 9Solutions system from the old hospital to the new facilities. The Radiotherapy Unit, operating in the new space since October 2023, specifically praised the efficiency of the battery replacement service for call buttons.

Powered by a Strong Partnership with Loihde

9Solutions delivers this system in collaboration with its long-term partner, Loihde Plc, who is responsible for the technical implementation and installation. Together, we provide a reliable, comprehensive solution that supports the hospital’s journey toward a smart and safe care environment.