Australian hospitals and aged facilities rely on technological systems every day. These systems are not only critical to daily operations, but also incredibly important for residents, patients, nurses, doctors, carers, and admin staff.

One of the most invaluable pieces of technology is the nurse call system. Nurse call systems provide the foundation for messaging and communication within a facility, as well as improve overall quality of care.

In this guide, we’re going to offer advice on how to choose the right nurse call system for your facility.

The Role of Nurse Call Systems in Hospitals and Aged Care

Over time, nurse call systems have come to play an integral role within Australia’s healthcare sector. Below, we’ll cover five of the ways they impact hospitals and aged care facilities every single day.

Altering Staff and Requesting Assistance

In a medical setting, nurse call systems give residents a tangible way to request assistance from carers and other staff. Call points can be installed beside beds, in bathrooms and communal areas, as well as the options to set up push buttons, and pendant transmitters.

These features provide different ways to activate a call, and can be adapted depending on the resident’s level of mobility or care. Newer nurse call systems give facilities flexibility when setting up call points throughout bedrooms, bathrooms and communal areas.

Managing Calls Across the Facility

A nurse call system gives nursing staff and carers an overview of active calls across a ward, wing or residential care facility. Depending on the system, staff may be able to see the location and type of call, acknowledge it and record when assistance has been provided.

For facility managers, call and response data can also provide insight into response times and demand for assistance. This can support operational planning and help identify areas where changes to staffing or care processes may be beneficial.

Monitoring Patient Activity

For hospital patients, a nurse call system provides an immediate means of contacting nursing staff from the bedside. This is particularly important for patients with restricted mobility, those recovering from surgery and people who require assistance with clinical or personal care.

Depending on the installation, call points may support different call types, two-way communication and other functions. Calls can be routed to a nurse call console, staff handset or other designated device, helping clinical staff manage requests across the ward.

Automated Care for Patients with Dementia

In memory support and dementia care environments, automated monitoring can supplement traditional resident-activated call points. Sensors can be configured to detect particular movements, room exits or other activity and generate an alert for carers.

This can be useful for residents at risk of wandering or falls, particularly where a nurse call may not be appropriate. With the help of this technology, staff receive an alert when a defined event occurs, providing another layer of oversight within the residential care environment.

Integrating Nurse Call Technology

Australian hospitals and aged care facilities can choose to use hard-wired, wireless or IP-based nurse call infrastructure. This depends on the building and operational requirements, but the varied technology adds a certain level of flexibility. Systems can be connected via bedside call points, call points, emergency buttons, staff stations, displays and other devices.

IP-based nurse call systems can be particularly useful across larger facilities because they can operate over network infrastructure and integrate with other building or communication technologies. Wireless solutions may provide greater flexibility for existing facilities where installing new cabling would be disruptive.

Current Australian Standards for Nurse Call Systems

The Australian Standards for nurse call systems were recently updated, with AS 3811:2026 replacing the previous AS 3811:1998. The updated Standard reflects how nurse call technology has evolved, covering reliable patient communication and alarm functions alongside modern capabilities such as mobile notifications, workflow management and location-aware systems. While AS 3811 is not legislation, it is widely used as a benchmark for nurse call systems across healthcare and aged care facilities.

The 2026 edition also recognises the growing role of nurse call systems in broader healthcare operations, including Real Time Location Systems (RTLS) and Care Minutes monitoring. These technologies can help facilities track staff activity, support response management and provide useful reporting for aged care compliance and operations. Projects should consider AS 3811:2026 alongside any applicable electrical, healthcare, accessibility and facility-specific requirements.

You can read our recent blog to learn more!

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Nurse Call System

1. Choose a System That Fits Your Facility

Consider the size, layout and type of facility, as well as the needs of patients or residents and staff. Hard-wired, wireless and IP-based systems each have different advantages, so choose an approach that suits the building and how it operates.

2. Check Compliance With AS 3811:2026

With AS 3811:2026 recently replacing the 1998 Standard, check that the system you choose can meet the current requirements. Consider features such as reliable alarm handling, location awareness, reporting and system resilience as part of the overall specification.

3. Look Beyond the Basic Call Button

A modern nurse call system can do much more than alert staff to a bedside call. Look for options such as pendants, wireless device integration, bed and chair exit sensors, wanderer prevention, mobile notifications and two-way communication where they suit your facility.

4. Consider Integration and Future Needs

Think about how the nurse call system will work alongside existing technology, including DECT and VoIP handsets, CCTV, access control, intercoms, fire alarms, building management systems, or even an existing nurse call system if the facility is being renovated or extended. Choosing a system that can integrate with other platforms can make it easier to expand your capabilities as your facility’s needs change.

5. Compare Brands and Choose a Reputable Supplier

Look at established nurse call brands and compare their features, compatibility, support and approach to AS 3811:2026 compliance. Just as importantly, choose a reputable Australian supplier that can provide installation, demonstrations, ongoing maintenance, technical support and repairs, rather than simply supplying the equipment.

Pairing Your Nurse Call System with Additional Technology

Modern nurse call systems can be equipped with a wide range of features, such as:

• DECT and VOIP Handsets
• Pocket Pagers
• Security Systems (CCTV, Access Control, Intercom)
• Fire Alarm Systems
• Building Management Systems (BMS)
• Wanderer Prevention / Patient Wandering Systems
• Other Nurse Call equipment (e.g. other brands)

Essential Equipment & Accessories

Hospitals and aged care facilities are fast paced environments. In these settings, a nurse call system functions at its best when paired with essential equipment and accessories. Here are some of the items that will complement the system as a whole:

• Nurse Call Pendants (‘Call Bell’ or ‘Pear Push’ leads)
• Multi-Function TV Handsets
• Wet Bed Sensors
• Bed Exit Sensors
• Chair Sensors
• Floor Mat Sensor
• Wireless Nurse Call Points
• Patient Wandering Systems (Wanderer Prevention) and Tags
• Call Point Pendant Double-Adaptors and Extension Leads

Need further information? Want to arrange a demonstration? Contact the Comtel team today.

Nurse Call Systems in Melbourne

At Comtel Technologies, we’re proud to be a leading supplier of nurse call systems in Melbourne and regional Victoria. Since 1968, we have distributed, installed and maintained systems with care and attention to detail.

From compliance to consultation, demonstration, design, installation, implementation and training, Comtel provides completely integrated Nurse Call and Annunciation (electronic signalling) solutions that meet the demands of modern medical settings.

Call (03) 9457 4488 or get a quote right here online.

The Comtel Technologies Team Comtel Technologies distributes, installs and maintains nurse call, intercom and public address systems for residential aged care facilities, retirement villages, hospitals and medical suites. The team designs integrated low voltage solutions spanning nurse call, personal and duress alarms, wanderer prevention, access control, IP-CCTV and audio and video door entry, then backs them with on-site and remote technical support, scheduled system testing and preventative maintenance. Repairs, equipment modifications and custom electronics are handled in Comtel's own technical workshop. Incorporated in Victoria in 1968, Comtel offers 24/7 365 days a year service and support and runs a Heidelberg West showroom with fully functioning systems and custom panel examples on display.