Calyx, an NHScat IT approved supplier of voice and data solutions has implemented wireless technology in over 60 Gwent Healthcare hospital wards, where PC carts now enable the NHS Trust to deliver patient information at point of care.
Wireless wards increase efficiency
“The pre-design phase was essential to the success of the project,” explained Paul Duval, Gwent Healthcare’s technical project lead. This phase included a full Calyx wireless survey of wards to generate a graphical representation of wireless access points. Calyx used power over Ethernet switches to support the deployment of wireless access points: a flexible solution that saved time and money – around £100,000, according to Gwent Healthcare. Other components including Windows servers and wireless security switches were also installed by Calyx. Gwent Healthcare has measured the benefits recorded by clinicians – their initial response to the wireless ward environment. Almost 70% said wireless access saved time, gave them faster or easier access to results or made ward rounds more efficient. A number of other NHS Trusts have visited the wireless wards to evaluate the project.