Benenden Hospital enhances patient stays with LG digital displays
Benenden Hospital in Kent has partnered with LG Electronics to install 40 digital displays in patient rooms as part of a project designed to improve the overall patient experience.
The collaboration involves the use of LG's 43UR762H display, a model typically deployed in hospitality settings, which was chosen for its compatibility with hospital systems and its ability to deliver a range of content directly to patients.
Patients are welcomed with personalised messages upon arrival, and the displays offer access to wellbeing media and guides designed to support their recovery. In addition, patients are able to stream content from their own devices directly to the in-room screens, aiming to provide a more familiar environment during their stay.
The hospital team was particularly interested in the artistic capabilities of the displays. Benenden Hospital's partnership with OOHSCREEN - a company known for art media and digital signage - enabled the creation of custom artwork reflecting the legacy of the hospital from its inception to the present. Research has suggested that artwork in healthcare settings can contribute to reduced patient stress, anxiety, and pain, an outcome the hospital is seeking to foster.
Along with the displays in patient rooms, three control screens have been installed for staff use, allowing greater management of the information provided to patients and the scheduling of displayed content.
Focus on personalisation
Claire Harley, Director at Benenden Hospital, commented on the driving motivations behind the project:
"We're always striving to offer a more personalised experience for our patients and embracing innovation and new ideas is key to achieving this. We want every patient that comes through our doors to receive the best treatment possible, and this includes providing an environment where they can feel safe, relaxed and have the space to focus on their recovery."
Harley added that the introduction of the LG displays reflects the hospital's ongoing commitment to enhancing the patient experience through the use of technology.
Business Applications Manager at Benenden Hospital, Tony Read, highlighted the collaboration process with LG:
"LG has been a great partner throughout, in terms of understanding our objectives and overcoming any challenges to make sure we achieved the desired outcome. The displays create an artistic atmosphere that soothes patients and adds to their experience."
Technical features
The LG 43UR762H is equipped with Pro Centric technology, making it possible to tailor content for the hospital's specific requirements. Its integration capabilities allowed the hospital to set up a communication platform capable of delivering not just standard health and recovery guides but also personalised messages and wellbeing content.
Each display can be controlled centrally, making it feasible for hospital staff to update and curate the content according to patient needs or feedback, and to manage daily operations more efficiently. The casting feature means patients can access familiar entertainment and information without relying solely on standard television programming or fixed in-room content.
Digital art and wellbeing
One significant aspect of this project was its focus on the role of the physical environment in patient recovery and wellbeing. Digital screens have provided a platform for Benenden Hospital's distinctive collaboration with art specialists at OOHSCREEN, presenting original artwork inspired by the hospital's heritage and commitment to care.
By utilising the digital nature of the displays, the hospital can rotate themes and artworks, responding to feedback and adapting to changing needs or events within the facility.
Industry perspective
Ian Tolfree, Sales Manager at LG, described the project as a valuable opportunity to apply the company's technology in a new sector:
"Being selected by Benenden Hospital to improve its patient care has been an interesting and unique experience. Through strong collaboration with the hospital and our partners at OOHSCREEN, we've been able to drill deep into the needs of the hospital and its patients, and create bespoke solutions that push the boundaries of healthcare. The opportunity has also given us a chance to assess our technology and how it can be used in new, innovative ways, previously not thought possible. We hope we can continue to build upon this blossoming partnership in the future."
As hospital infrastructure continues to incorporate digital technologies, Benenden Hospital's experience may offer a model for similar applications within healthcare environments seeking to balance personalisation, patient engagement, and enhanced wellbeing through the use of digital media.
