Bluefin Digital Monitors Transform Patient Room Signage in Ontario (Canada) Healthcare

Written By Guest User

Background

The Province of Ontario’s hospitals built under the Public-Private Partnership (P3) model follow the Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM) approach to ensure facilities are delivered on time, on budget, and remain in “as-new” condition for 30 years.

Within this framework, Johnson Controls plays a key role in technical operations and maintenance, including responsibility for digital signage communications. Their trusted partner, Capital Networks Limited, has deployed signage solutions across multiple healthcare facilities in the Province of Ontario.

As signage hardware ages, lifecycle management becomes essential. Capital Networks—led by President Jim Vair—partnered with Thorvin Electronics, a Canadian value-added AV distributor, to identify and deliver the right next-generation replacement solution.

The Challenge

At a major Toronto hospital, patient room status monitors had reached the end of their lifecycle. These monitors are vital:

  • They are positioned outside every patient’s room.

  • They display real-time precautionary information sourced from the hospital’s EMR system.

  • They communicate critical alerts such as infection risks, PPE (protective clothing) requirements, and safety notices for staff and visitors.

Key challenges included:

  • Zero tolerance for disruption: In an active hospital environment, construction-related activity (dust & debris) was not acceptable.

  • Integration needs: New displays had to support BrightSign OS for enterprise-level remote management.

  • Custom fit requirements: Replacements had to match existing surrounds to avoid costly structural work.

The Solution

After rigorous evaluation, Bluefin Digital Displays with BrightSign Built-In were selected as the ideal solution.

Hardware deployed:

  • Model: 20-3008-1233, 21.5” Finished Frame BSBI (HS145)

  • Customizations: Glass front, precision mounting to fit existing surrounds

  • Connectivity: Power over Ethernet (PoE)

  • Storage: 16 GB MicroSD (BFN002)

  • Software: BrightSign OS for robust enterprise signage management

Why Bluefin:

  • Custom sizing allowed seamless integration with hospital infrastructure—no construction needed.

  • Embedded BrightSign OS provided remote monitoring, firmware updates, and centralized content control.

  • Infection-prevention-compliant—deployment required no dust-producing modifications.

Deployment:

  • Total Units: 690 Bluefin monitors

  • Phase 1: 450 units installed

  • Phase 2: 240 units shipping & deployment scheduled post–July 1, 2025

Each display now integrates directly with the hospital’s EMR system, presenting real-time patient precautionary data at the point of entry.

Outcomes & Benefits

  • Operational efficiency: BrightSign OS allows IT and facilities staff to manage displays remotely, reducing on-site servicing needs.

  • Lifecycle alignment: Bluefin’s customization extended the useful life of existing infrastructure, avoiding unnecessary construction and cost.

  • Scalable platform: The project sets the foundation for future signage upgrades. The next phase will expand into additional digital signage use cases using external BrightSign-enabled media players with Bluefin displays.

Reference:

“It’s gratifying to see how the hospital staff have embraced the Patient Room Status Monitors powered by our Audience™ platform. The ability to glance at a screen and instantly access critical patient information not only saves valuable time but also enhances confidence and coordination among caregivers. When staff tell us they won’t ‘open a room’ unless the display is up and running, it speaks volumes about the trust they’ve placed in this technology. Even more encouraging is hearing that team members are updating their EMR systems more frequently because they can see how that information is being used to benefit doctors, nurses, staff and patient visitors.”
— Jim Vair, President, Capital Networks Limited

Conclusion

This project showcases how Capital Networks, Thorvin Electronics, and Bluefin collaborated to deliver a future-proof digital signage healthcare solution. By combining custom hardware design, BrightSign OS integration, and infection–control–sensitive deployment, this hospital can now rely on seamless, real-time patient status communication, boosting both safety and operational performance.

Results - 690 new Bluefin digital monitors. Zero disruption. Maximum impact.

When staff tell us they won’t ‘open a room’ unless the display is up and running, it speaks volumes about the trust they’ve placed in this technology.

Written by Thorvin Electronics, in partnership with Bluefin and Capital Networks, delivering innovative healthcare signage solutions.

Bluefin specializes in providing interactive, high-quality digital displays for various industries, including healthcare, education, and business. By combining sleek design with advanced technology, Bluefin delivers impactful, user-friendly solutions that engage and inspire users while enhancing operational efficiency.

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