Memorial Regional Hospital South Pioneers Voice-Activated Smart Control Solution for Patients with Spinal Injuries

For individuals recovering from a spinal cord injury, the loss of independence can be one of the most challenging aspects of their journey. Daily tasks once taken for granted can become overwhelming, leaving patients reliant on others for even the simplest needs. Recognizing this, Memorial Rehabilitation Institute at Memorial Regional Hospital South continues to lead the way in innovative, patient-centered care by combining advanced therapies with groundbreaking technology.

Memorial Regional Hospital South is proud to be the first in the nation to implement the Hatchmed SmartHub powered by Aiva, a voice-activated smart control solution that enhances autonomy, comfort, and care for patients with limited mobility. This pioneering technology empowers patients to regain a sense of control over their environment while streamlining communication with their care team.

“The adoption of the Hatchmed SmartHub reflects Memorial’s unwavering commitment to elevating our patients’ quality of life by integrating advanced technology into patient care,” said Phil Wright, CEO of Memorial Regional Hospital South. “Our leadership, clinical and IT teams will continue to work together to empower our patients during their recovery journey.”

One of the first patients to benefit from this innovation is Antwane, 46, who is navigating life as a quadriplegic following a devastating accident nine months ago. Using the Hatchmed SmartHub and Aiva’s Patient Assistant platform, Antwane can control room functions like adjusting the lights, turning on the TV, and changing the volume and channels—all with simple voice commands. He also enjoys music, podcasts, and sports, and can even request a visit from the hospital’s therapy dog. Crucially, the system routes essential care requests, such as pain management or hydration, directly to Memorial’s nurse call system, ensuring prompt attention.

“This technology has brought newfound independence and a sense of control to my patients with spinal cord injuries,” said Joanne Delgado-Lebron, MD, associate program director, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency Program and spinal cord specialist. “Being able to manage their surroundings without relying on others has been truly transformative for their recovery experience.”

For more information about the Memorial Rehabilitation Institute and its dedication to patient-centered technological innovation, please contact Dawn Broksch at dbroksch@mhs.net.