Reactivation centre deploys technologies to help speed up recoveries

Cisco, a worldwide leader in networking and technology, and Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) have collaborated on the deployment of a next-generation Reactivation Care Centre: a safe, digitally enabled space designed to support short-term recovery for patients transitioning from hospital to home.

Brendan Sova, manager of the 12-bed unit, said the focus is on acute care patients who are 65 and older. A mix of technologies and proactive care by nurses and other healthcare professionals is speeding the recovery process and sending patients home faster.

“We keep them moving from the beginning,” he said. “It prevents deterioration.”

For example, Paul Tilley was recently discharged from the Reactivation Care Centre after a diagnosis of pneumonia. He spent two days in hospital and three days at the centre, compared with 10 days in hospital for a previous bout of pneumonia.

“The unit is smaller, everyone gets to know you … and through technology, everyone knows your file. They’re not asking you the same questions over and over again,” said Tilley.

Technology is instantly measuring vital signs and the movement of patients, noted Wayne Cuervo, director of Cisco Canada’s Digital Impact Office. “Patient needs can be addressed immediately,” he observed.

“The Reactivation Care Centre at PRHC goes beyond providing a setting for patients to recover from their acute illness,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, president & CEO at PRHC. “Supported by investment and innovation through our partnership with Cisco Canada, each patient has access to specialized and restorative care to prepare them for a successful discharge from the hospital.”

As the primary technology partner, Cisco provides the digital foundation within the Reactivation Care Centre to enhance patient care and enable clinicians to focus on what matters most: patients. The centre is equipped with an integrated suite of secure, digital tools to optimize communication, safety, and patient support. This smart technology also securely harnesses data for AI and analytics that can be used to improve care, operations and experiences within the centre. Key solutions include:

• Webex Boards & Room Navigators: Real-time collaboration tools connecting care teams, patients, and families.
• Cisco Spaces & Kontakt.io Badges: Location-based services that monitor patient flow, improve safety, and support contact tracing.
• Corsano Cardio Bands: Wearable devices that track mobility and vital signs, offering real-time insights into recovery progress.
• Seamless Data Integration: All technology is securely connected to PRHC’s custom-built data platform, Peregrine, enabling clinicians to make informed, personalized decisions.

The project is made possible by Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program, which helps organizations accelerate their digital transformation by providing technology, expertise, and partnerships where it can have the most impact.

The Reactivation Care Centre at PRHC represents a scalable blueprint for transitional care across the country. By combining clinical expertise with digital innovation, PRHC and Cisco are demonstrating how health systems can evolve to meet the complex and diverse needs of patients leaving acute care.

“At PRHC, we’ve set a bold vision for ourselves, including a strategic commitment to transform data, analytics and technology to support people today and into the future,” said Evan Lyons, PRHC’s VP, Digital & Information Services and CIO. “As demand continues to grow in our region and across the healthcare system, investments in innovative digital solutions to support the patient journey will be critical as we continue striving to provide the best possible care and support, and to carve out a spot for PRHC amongst some of the best and most forward-thinking hospitals across the country.”

Together, Cisco and PRHC are showing that the future of patient-centred recovery lies in forward-thinking partnerships that deliver compassionate, connected, and technology-enabled care.

“It’s because of our community’s generous support of the $60 million Campaign for PRHC that the Foundation can respond quickly to PRHC’s most urgent needs – such as the Reactivation Care Centre – as they arise,” says Lesley Heighway, president & CEO of the PRHC Foundation.

“Community donations made it possible to fund $400,000 in vital infrastructure for the reactivation unit, including patient beds, vital signs monitors, and specialized wheelchairs, to help patients return home after hospital care. This is a great example of the power of philanthropy in our community. Thank you, donors.”