Every interaction between a patient and their care team is an opportunity to deliver thoughtful, personalized care. At Brightshores Health System, the patient call bell is now being reimagined to strengthen communication at the bedside and support teams in delivering more responsive, informed care.
This work is part of a collaborative research partnership between Brightshores, PatientCompanion and the CAN Health Network. Through this partnership, the organizations are exploring how frontline-informed technology can build on existing strengths in care delivery, supporting clear communication and helping care teams respond with greater clarity and confidence.
Supporting Communication at the Bedside
Brightshores is introducing PatientCompanion, a Canadian‑made digital call bell solution designed to complement and enhance traditional communication tools. Instead of a single call button, PatientCompanion allows patients to use a smartphone or tablet to select the type of support they require — such as assistance with mobility, pain management, or comfort needs.
These requests are automatically organized and prioritized, giving nurses clear, real‑time insights that help them prepare and coordinate care effectively.
“Delivering patient‑centred care is important to us, and PatientCompanion helps us do this while better supporting our staff,” said Ann Ford, President and CEO of Brightshores, a multi-site hospital system serving Grey and Bruce counties. “When the right resources are in place to support clear communication, care teams can focus on delivering timely, hands‑on care with greater confidence and clarity.”
Bringing Greater Precision to Care Delivery
By giving patients a simple and intuitive way to communicate their needs, PatientCompanion supports care teams in arriving prepared and equipped with the right information. This added clarity enhances the overall care experience while supporting a proactive, coordinated approach to nursing care.
In 2025, Brightshores tested PatientCompanion in the Women and Child Care Unit at Owen Sound Hospital and in the Medicine/Surgical Unit at Southampton Hospital. The project provided valuable insights from both patients and staff, helping shape how the technology can best support care environments.
Building on early success, PatientCompanion will return to Southampton’s Medical/Surgical Unit later this spring, with additional testing planned across other Brightshores sites and departments.
Collaboration Driving Meaningful Innovation
The partnership with PatientCompanion was supported by CAN Health Network - an organization that matches health care organizations with Canadian solutions – and led at Brightshores by its Office of Research and Innovation — reflecting a shared commitment to advancing practical, frontline‑focused improvements in care delivery.
“We designed PatientCompanion to enhance the experience for both patients and care teams,” said Christy Lee, Co‑founder of PatientCompanion. “Seeing this project move into procurement is incredibly meaningful, because it shows how innovation can directly support everyday care.”
“This project shows what is possible when health care providers and Canadian entrepreneurs work together to improve care in practical, measurable ways,” said Dante Morra, Founder and CEO, CAN Health Network. “By modernizing something as fundamental as the call bell, Brightshores is improving the patient experience and supporting frontline teams at the same time.”