Part of Internet of Things implementation: Lessons learned
Technology implemented and benefits
Milton Keynes University Hospital
The table below shows the IoT equipment and technology introduced at Milton Keynes, and how it aligns to the targeted aims and benefits of these technologies.
Technology |
Overview |
Benefits |
| Occupancy, temperature, air quality sensors |
Sensors interfaced with Building Management System (BMS) Digital Twin and hot desk booking Air quality/temperature interfaced with BMS to drive Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) |
Improves staff and patient experience (comfort) Improved building efficiency and reduce cost per m2 (energy) Improved management information (room use, problem areas) |
| Real Time Location Services | RTLS used for equipment and staff tracking, staff duress alarm and patient geofencing |
Frees up time to care |
| Paper towel dispenser monitoring | IoT sensors on dispensers provide triggered alerts when replacement required, replacing manual process. | Improved operational efficiency |
| Self-flushing bathroom sink taps | Taps have IoT sensors that allow for self-flushing, replacing manual process |
Improved safety Reduced resource Improved management information |
Nottingham University Hospitals Trust
The table below shows the IoT equipment and technology introduced at Nottingham, and some of the targeted benefits of these technologies.
Technology |
Overview |
Benefits |
| Occupancy, noise, light sensors | Wireless sensors to gather environment data. For example, noise sensors are being used to track alarms in preparation for a 'silent hospital' notifications system | Improved management information for decision making |
| Occupancy, noise, light sensors | Interfaced with BMS digital twin and room booking. This allows staff to see which rooms are available and the BMS to shut off rooms not in use or 'prepare' rooms in anticipation of a meeting | Increased time to care (reducing time to find a room) Improved building efficiency (energy) |
| CCTV with AI | Reduce the risk of patients absconding or wandering. Aspiration for this technology to work with RTLS patient tracking band or wearable device for geofencing. |
Improved patient safety |
| Room control unit interfaced with BMS | Allow patients with additional needs to use assistive technologies and voice control to operate temperature, blinds and lighting |
Improved patient outcome (independence) |
Plans for future implementation at Milton Keynes University Hospital Trust
The table below shows the IoT equipment and technology planned to be introduced in the future at Milton Keynes, and some of the targeted benefits of these technologies.
Technology |
Overview |
Benefits |
| Fridge sensors – door open, temperature | Temperature alerts to reduce wastage. Potential to interlink with BMS to drive ambient room temperature depending on usage, solar gain |
Reduced waste due to drugs exceeding temperature requirements |
| Expansion of paper towel, addition of soap dispensing and bin sensors | Increase capability to fill and remove on demand/by use. Track room usage to rationalise cleaning rotas |
Improved operational efficiency |
| Fall detection and prevention | Detect patients that have fallen, track the precursors to fall | Improved patient safety Improved operational efficiency. Frees up time to care Improved management information |
| Wayfinding | Provide dynamic wayfinding with audio visual and multi-language capability. Provides different views to patients and staff/role | Improved patient experience Improved operational efficiency Reduce health inequalities |
| Paediatrics alerting | Provide alerts for paediatric patient deterioration | Improved patient safety Improved management information Frees up time to care |
Last edited: 16 April 2025 5:11 pm