A new chapter for SPARK TSL: Accelerating digital transformation in healthcare through innovation

The future of digital healthcare is here, and the time for transformation is now.

While digitisation has become a cornerstone of frontline services in many industries, the healthcare sector — particularly the NHS — still faces challenges in fully embracing this shift. 

At SPARK TSL, we’re committed to accelerating digital transformation in healthcare through innovative solutions that maximise productivity, efficiency, quality of care and return on investment for NHS Trusts across the UK.

The digital transformation imperative for healthcare

The healthcare industry is under immense pressure to modernise its processes. Patient expectations are evolving, technology is advancing rapidly and funding constraints demand smarter solutions. 

At the same time, staff shortages and burnout are at an all-time high, exacerbating the challenges faced by NHS Trusts.

Key drivers of digital transformation in healthcare

• Rising demand for digital services: The number of smartphone users worldwide is projected to reach 6.3 billion by 2029, demonstrating an increasing reliance on digital interactions.
• Government funding initiatives: The latest government budget promises £2 billion for NHS technology and digital investment to enhance efficiency and reduce administrative burdens
• Interoperability and connectivity: Between 2023 and 2081, the number of WiFi-connected devices in healthcare is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22%, emphasising the need for robust digital infrastructure.
• Patient engagement and experience: Surveys show that 55% of UK customers are comfortable sharing some information to gain WiFi access, highlighting a willingness to embrace digital healthcare solutions.

The role of SPARK TSL in healthcare digital transformation

SPARK TSL is at the forefront of this transformation, offering solutions that directly address the pain points experienced by healthcare professionals and patients. 

Our flagship product, SPARK Fusion®, is designed to streamline healthcare operations and improve patient outcomes by enhancing communication, reducing inefficiencies and providing real-time digital solutions.

How SPARK Fusion® supports NHS staff

• Increased efficiency: Digital bedside communication tools empower staff to have more meaningful patient interactions while minimising wasted time and resources.
• Better quality of care: Innovative features such as digital pain scoring enable more precise treatments, improving outcomes for non-verbal patients.
• Reduced bed blocking: Enhanced patient care results in shorter hospital stays, improving bed availability and optimising patient flow.
• Staff well-being and retention: Digital transformation reduces stress and administrative burdens, fostering a more supportive working environment for healthcare professionals.
  
  

Addressing NHS pressures through digital innovation

The NHS is grappling with record-high waiting lists, with 7.57 million cases and over 3.14 million patients waiting more than 18 weeks for treatment. NHS staff also face increasing mental health challenges, with an average sickness absence rate of 6.2% in the 12 months leading up to June 2024. The most common reasons for absence include anxiety, stress and depression.

SPARK Fusion® plays a crucial role in alleviating these pressures by enabling smarter communication between patients and healthcare providers. Traditional nurse call systems are often limited to a single button, leaving requests ambiguous. 

With SPARK Fusion®, patients can make specific, categorised requests — for something as simple as a glass of water or urgent medical assistance — ensuring more efficient responses and reducing unnecessary strain on staff.

The Sentean acquisition: Expanding SPARK TSL’s capabilities

SPARK TSL’s acquisition of Sentean marks a significant milestone in our journey toward greater innovation in healthcare. This partnership brings additional expertise, resources and technologies to enhance our existing solutions and unlock new opportunities for NHS Trusts.

Key benefits of the acquisition

• Expanded product offerings: Integration of Sentean’s solutions will enhance SPARK TSL’s capabilities in patient engagement and clinical efficiency.
• Stronger research and development: Combining expertise allows for faster innovation and more tailored healthcare solutions.
• Broader market reach: Sentean’s established presence will accelerate the adoption of digital healthcare solutions across a wider network of NHS Trusts.
  
  
  

Driving sustainability through digital healthcare

Beyond efficiency and patient care, digital transformation in healthcare contributes to a more sustainable future. Traditional paper-based systems and inefficient resource management lead to unnecessary waste and increased costs. 

With SPARK Fusion®, hospitals can reduce their environmental impact in several key ways:

• Minimised paper waste: Digital meal ordering, patient education materials and feedback surveys eliminate the need for excessive printing.
• Resource optimisation: Reusable in-app services reduce strain on physical assets, improving overall resource management.
• Reduced food waste: Smart meal ordering ensures patients receive the right meals at the right time, preventing unnecessary waste, a significant issue in NHS hospitals.
• Energy-efficient technology: SPARK TSL’s solutions are designed to work seamlessly with existing infrastructure, eliminating the need for frequent hardware replacements.

Tailored solutions for every ward

Every hospital ward has unique challenges, and a one-size-fits-all approach to digital transformation simply won’t work. That’s why SPARK TSL offers customised solutions that cater to the specific needs of different patient groups:

• Dementia wards: Access to BBC archives helps dementia patients reconnect with memories, improving emotional wellbeing.
• Dialysis patients: High-quality bedside infotainment makes lengthy treatments more comfortable.
• Physiotherapy: Digital pain scoring empowers patients and healthcare professionals with better treatment insights.
• Emergency departments: Faster digital processing enhances efficiency in high-pressure environments.
• Maternity wards: Digital patient education supports new mothers, reducing the likelihood of post-pregnancy complications and readmissions.
  
  - are just some of the different ward profiles available.
  
  

The path forward: Join the digital healthcare revolution

The digital transformation of healthcare is no longer a distant vision. It’s happening now. SPARK TSL is dedicated to driving this change, ensuring NHS Trusts and healthcare professionals have the tools to deliver exceptional patient care while improving operational efficiency.

As we embark on this exciting new chapter, we invite healthcare providers, administrators and decision-makers to explore how SPARK Fusion® can revolutionise their operations. 

With the added capabilities from our acquisition of Sentean, we’re more equipped than ever to meet the evolving needs of modern healthcare.

Ready to take the next step?

Download our comprehensive product guide today and discover how SPARK TSL can support your Trust’s digital transformation journey.