07 May 2025
Amidst nationwide digital transformation, the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust’s Stepping Hill Hospital identified a high-speed data infrastructure, including a robust Wi-Fi network, as essential for the smooth running of a Hospital and Health Trust: computers, telephones, and medical and clinical devices require a fast digital network to function efficiently.
Given the age of the existing network, an extensive £2.9 million upgrade was required to replace the existing 350 access points with over 1,800 state-of-the-art access points, including 50 external points providing seamless wireless network coverage across the entire site.
Meel Group was thus awarded the work as an NHS SBS Framework supplier.
Minimising interference
“A particular requirement of the Stockport NHS FT team was to create a true partnership approach to delivering the programme,” says Chris Hudsmith, Senior Digital Transformation Portfolio Manager, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust. “Building an ethos of collaborative working, removing silos and creating an environment of transparency, the organisations have created a single team, with aligned behaviours and values. This approach has enabled the teams to have open and honest conversations, but more importantly, hold one another to account and ensure the highest possible quality standards are achieved, delivered and maintained.”
In the course of the project, several challenges emerged that necessitated innovative solutions. Key obstacles included seasonal access restrictions, which limited availability during certain times of the year, along with bed pressure restrictions that restricted access to available beds, requiring teams to operate within strict parameters. Additionally, ward closures stemming from COVID-19 and Norovirus outbreaks created temporary obstructions to works.
“The project needed to support the Trust’s ‘Wi-Fi First’ policy with Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the campus, increasing the capacity for diagnostic machines to be connected to Wi-Fi within clinical areas and continue to work while moving around the hospital.”
To effectively address these challenges, Meel Group’s agile and flexible working approach became paramount. The company established close collaboration with service leads and the Trust, which facilitated the deployment of a ‘live-bed’ working strategy designed to maximize work opportunities in restrictive areas. This strategic planning allowed the teams to carry out essential tasks with minimal disruption to hospital operations.
To further minimize interference, Meel Group teams frequently adjusted their schedules, often working nights and weekends. This adaptability ensured that hospital functions could continue without significant disruption. Simultaneously, a close partnership with Infection Prevention teams helped us mitigate any risks to patients during our operations. Coordination with cleaning teams was also essential, ensuring that areas were properly prepared for hospital use once our work was completed.
‘Wi-Fi First’
The project needed to support the Trust’s ‘Wi-Fi First’ policy with Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the campus, increasing the capacity for diagnostic machines to be connected to Wi-Fi within clinical areas and continue to work while moving around the hospital. Indeed, Meel Group designed a robust, modern network infrastructure to accommodate future needs and growth. The network has improved safety and security, and each upgraded data cabinet has UPS battery support.
The project involved working on over 70 cabinet rooms; some required refurbishing, others needed decommissioning and new rooms constructed. Each room was provided with AC, Active Cooling or Ventilation as required. The rooms also contained a UPS (uninterrupted power supply units), fire retarding and security doors.
The project required re-cabling and extending the network as needed, with new Cat6 cables going to all 1,800 Wi-Fi access points. The cabling was held in new containment and tray systems and generally sited above suspended ceilings. Working on a live site often required cabling work to be carried out at night when the hospital was least active.
The seamless coverage utilises new wireless access points conforming to the Wi-Fi 6 standard. The Wi-Fi 6 means faster speeds, increased spectrum, lower latencies and a large capacity of clients per access point.
A true partnership
The successful execution of the project yielded several positive outcomes, in a timely manner. Meel Group also adhered to the set budget, effectively managing resources without compromising quality. Importantly, there were no health and safety incidents, accidents, or near misses throughout the duration of the project.
The implemented system now offers comprehensive and robust coverage across both hospital buildings and external areas, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.
According to Hudsmith, the true partnership approach “has led to the success of the programme, delivering on time, to budget, and eventually providing the enabling benefits associated with the operational and clinical systems of the future. I would personally endorse the Meel Group for programmes of a similar nature and complexity in both a public and private sector setting.”
