Hospital WiFi: What you didn’t know it could do

NHS Digital has confirmed that all NHS Trusts can access free hospital WiFi. However, many users are unaware that WiFi SPARK offers more than just a basic internet connection. With an advanced security system and an engaging entertainment platform, it's a valuable tool for both patients and staff.

Keep reading to learn more.

NHS WiFi powered by SPARK Connect®

Since Kings College Hospital became the first WiFi SPARK customer in 2005, our WiFi service has continuously expanded. Currently, 86 trusts have access to our updated WiFi service, which offers banner advertisements and helpful information on the login page and provides a fully managed service that includes 24/7/365 support and design configuration. This creates more exposure for the Trust and can be used to signpost patients. 

However, what if logging into free WiFi could lead to something more beneficial than just a ‘thank you for connecting’ message? This is where SPARK® Media and SPARK Fusion® comes into play, accommodating users with a more engaging and valuable experience. 

Hospital entertainment and engagement systems 

SPARK Media®

In 2018, we realised the need for entertainment and engagement within NHS hospitals and A&Es. Most people have a smart device but might not know where to find information about the hospital or where to turn for entertainment, aside from the paid-for Hospedia units beside the bed. That’s when we developed SPARK® Media — an initial rival to the Hospedia Bedside Units. 

This entertainment and engagement platform has a lite version and a full version available. It’s the redirection page the user will land on after signing into the WiFi. It provides easy access to hospital resources such as their webpage and links to charity. There are also links for on-demand services such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX and dementia support through BBC Reminiscence. 

SPARK® Media makes resources more accessible to everyone. All they need to do is sign into the free WiFi.  

SPARK Media® includes:

• Game library of 25 puzzle games. 3.0 upgrade will bring more games. 
• Over 100 digital magazines and newspapers
• Unlimited number of resource links
• Video calling through Visionable
• Live TV
• Live Radio

Providing patients with more entertainment options is crucial, especially for those who have to endure long waiting periods or are confined to their hospital beds. By offering a variety of choices, patients are less likely to become bored or restless, resulting in happier patients. 

Additionally, the platform's ability to add more links can also be utilised to provide more resources, ultimately leading to better-informed patients who can make better decisions. 

Upgrading to the full SPARK® Media solution brings many benefits that can contribute to the digital transformation of hospitals, allowing technology to improve the experiences of patients, visitors and staff. 

SPARK Media® Lite

In 2020, we made SPARK Media® Lite free for every hospital with SPARK® Connect. This made resources more accessible and helped boost exposure and charity donations for the Trusts. It was the least we could do during the pandemic to try and relieve some of the pressure. 

Although the lite version of SPARK Media® is a great start, it only scratches the surface of what the full platform can offer. As the name suggests, the Lite version has limited links and features, with no live TV or radio and only a handful of games available. However, every NHS Hospital with SPARK Connect® has access to the lite version and can upgrade to the full version to provide more free options and entertainment for patients and visitors. Find out more about the full version and its benefits. 

SPARK Fusion®

Following SPARK TSL's acquisition of Sentean, we're now revolutionising the patient and staff experience through SPARK Fusion® – our end-to-end bedside infotainment solution with all the benefits of SPARK® Media, plus more. 

With the installation of bedside units that can be customised to the patient's exact needs, Trusts are able to take their digital transformation one step further beyond hospital WiFi thanks to the mutually beneficial features of SPARK Fusion® for both patients and staff.

SPARK Fusion® includes:

• TV, Radio & internet
  
• Video calling & telephony
  
• Treatment information & Electronic Health Record (EHR)
  
• Surveys
  
• HL7 (FIHR) integration and pain score
  
• Discharge evaluation  
  
• Nurse call and service requests (integrations with IQ Messenger, Allertive, Ascom) or proprietary messaging on the staff devices (iOS, Android)
• Meal ordering (integration with Delegate, Datasym)  
  
• Patient Feedback (PREMS / PROMS)  
  
• Patient Information – based on their medical indication (3rd party integrations)  
  
• Room Control / Domotica integrations (KNX, Dali)  
  
• Door signs (Room / Corridor Panel) integrations (Johnson Controls)
  
• Staff & patient chat
  
• Content composer
  

NHS staff are the heart of healthcare, and SPARK Fusion® empowers them to focus on what matters most – patient care. By streamlining workflows, improving communication and automating tasks like meal orders and service requests, Fusion saves time and resources. Staff can connect better with patients and colleagues, reduce frustrations and work smarter, not harder – ensuring compassionate, efficient care every step of the way.

How to upgrade

1. Speak to your account manager 
2. The account manager will send over a detailed proposal 
3. The quote is raised and accepted 
4. Tech specs begin 
5. Project team liaise 
6. Development delivery 
7. Service delivery handover  
8. 24/7 support.  

If you're interested in upgrading to the full SPARK Media® solution, we'd love to hear from you! Don't hesitate to contact us to learn more about how we can help elevate your hospital's digital experience.