Past, Present and Future of Hospital Bedside Units

In 2022, we reflected on the evolution of bedside units in hospitals – and the journey we’ve taken with our NHS partners to support patient engagement, entertainment and clinical efficiency. That story is still unfolding, but the technology has progressed significantly. Today, the SPARK Fusion® platform represents the next chapter.

The Past: A Need for Better Patient Experience

The journey began in the late 1990s with Patientline, the original creators of personal entertainment systems at the bedside. These units offered patients access to TV, phone, and radio services at a time when hospital stays were largely disconnected from digital engagement. In the years that followed, Hospedia took over and continued to deploy and manage these systems across NHS hospitals. However, the technology remained largely static while expectations around digital healthcare moved on.

What began as a service for patient distraction has now evolved into a platform for connection, empowerment, and clinical integration. This transformation has shaped the development of our latest solution: SPARK Fusion®, which reimagines the bedside unit as a smart, connected portal for entertainment, communication, and care.

The Present: Intro SPARK Fusion®

Previously, SPARK TSL delivered this promise through SPARK® Horizon and SPARK Media® – two platforms that laid the foundation for patient-centric digital experiences.

But as technology and expectations evolved, so did our solution. We’ve now retired both SPARK® Horizon and SPARK Media® to focus fully on SPARK Fusion®: our next-generation platform that brings all the functionality of previous systems into a powerful, unified interface – and goes further.

SPARK Fusion® delivers:

• Seamless entertainment (TV, radio, streaming content)
• Access to clinical apps for e-notes, e-obs, e-prescribing and more
• Multilingual support and accessibility options
• Self-service features like meal ordering and feedback
• Hospital information and wayfinding tools
• Integration with SPARK Connect® WiFi, providing continuity across the patient’s digital journey

All accessible through modern, touchscreen units or personal devices.

The Future: Enabling Smart Hospitals

With SPARK Fusion®, hospitals are moving toward the vision of the Smart Hospital – where technology enhances not just patient experience, but clinical workflows and operational efficiency.

The bedside unit is no longer just a screen – it’s a digital portal into care, communication, and comfort. It supports virtual consultations, digital consent, and real-time clinical access. And it’s powered by a platform that is secure, scalable, and built for the future.

As we look ahead, SPARK TSL continues to innovate with partners across the NHS to make bedside experiences more meaningful, connected and data-driven – all through the lens of SPARK Fusion®.