Case Study-NHS Location Wales
SOLiD & Freshwave Partnership
SOLiD, in partnership with Freshwave, is proud to have been involved in the implementation of a bespoke Digital Antenna System (DAS) at a state-of-the-art Welsh hospital.
SOLiD, in partnership with Freshwave, is proud to have been involved in the implementation of a bespoke Digital Antenna System (DAS) at a state-of-the-art Welsh hospital. This system connects to all of the UK’s mobile network operators, delivering better connectivity for everyone at the location. It allows patients, clinicians and visitors to connect with their friends and family at any time, anywhere.
Hospitals provide their own unique set of challenges when it comes to mobile signal coverage. Therefore, it’s important to select a partner that has healthcare specific knowledge and a proven track record of successful projects in this type of location. For example, this site covers 55,000 sq meters with plans to expand even further. There are 560 beds across 15 wards at the facility to assist in providing state-of-the-art healthcare services to around 600,000 people in Wales.
Building materials can have a major impact on cellular signals with metal, concrete and energy efficient glass having the biggest impact. These are all materials that are commonly found in healthcare facilities. Hospitals are also extremely dynamic environments with new equipment frequently being added and a user base that can be constantly on the move. Therefore, a flexible, adaptable and expandable solution is key to protecting the initial investment.
“ NHS staff and patients must have the ability to communicate with family and friends when needed. This will be even more important with the next generation of Emergency Services communication utilising the existing MNO network.”
- Steven Gallagher, VP Sales EMEA, SOLiD
Finally, this project was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting another set of unique challenges. Work was carried out around the facilities’ normal operating hours and without any disruption to ongoing operations.
SOLiD worked closely with Freshwave to provide our latest Active Digital DAS system. SOLiD Genesis DAS uses the existing Cat6a cable within the building to minimize any disruptions during the building phase. Each remote location is active and provides coverage where it is needed with optimal throughput performance.
This new DAS solution provides a range of benefits to clinicians, patients and visitors to the facility. Hospitals play a critical role in providing healthcare services to people in need.
With the advancements in medical technology, hospitals rely heavily on communication systems to ensure seamless coordination among healthcare professionals, patients, and their families.
Patients and their families can stay reliably connected with each other, reducing stress and anxiety during their stay in the hospital. This is especially important for long-term patients who may need to stay in the hospital for weeks or months.
SOLiD, in partnership with Freshwave, are proud to be able to deliver this mobile connectivity solution for this state-of-the-art Welsh Hospital.
“ No matter what network people are on, they’ll be able to access secure, reliable mobile coverage so they can always get in touch with people when they need to.”
- Head of ICT, state-of-the-art Welsh hospital.
