The Christie is the largest single-site cancer centre in Europe, treating more than 60,000 patients a year and the first UK centre to be accredited as a comprehensive cancer centre. The Christie serves a population of 3.2 million people across Greater Manchester and Cheshire, while more than a quarter of patients are referred from across the UK.
“The solution has allowed patients, staff, and visitors to use their mobile devices on any mobile network, to make and receive phone calls, access data services, and receive text messages whilst in the hospital.”
Ranked as the most technologically advanced cancer centre in the world outside North America, the Christie has been named by the National Institute for Health Research as one of the best hospitals providing opportunities for patients to take part in clinical research studies.
Problems at outpatients
Opened in 2019, the new outpatients department struggled with poor mobile signals from day one. Due to the sensitive nature of the work carried out in the hospital, mobile connectivity is absolutely vital for smooth operations.
This is a common problem in hospital buildings, due to the design and materials used during construction (concrete, steel, and Low-E glass). This can have a detrimental effect on both staff being able to carry out their daily duties as well as patients not being able to communicate with family, in what is often a highly stressful time.
In line with the ‘NHS Long Term Plan’ in making better use of digital technology, improving connectivity and mobile coverage for staff and patients was a priority for The Christie.
A hybrid DAS solution
Following a short consultation period and onsite survey the Boost Pro technical team designed a hybrid DAS to improve all four networks (O2, EE, Vodafone and Three) across the full department. Due to the sensitive nature of patient care, out of hours work was required.
The Active DAS Hybrid solution provides uniform, high-quality mobile signal throughout the building, and is scalable to the size needed. This delivers a mobile signal that is up to 1000x stronger, utilizing CAT 5e/6 cabling for RF and Power over Ethernet, with no signal attenuation, right to the perimeter of the building. With no operator licence required, installation was completed in just three days – this smart cellular solution delivers the industry’s highest gain, at the lowest cost per square metre.
The installation was completed in three days earlier in 2022, and signal has been transformed from zero bars to full signal for 3G/4G LTE voice and data across all four networks – O2, EE, Vodafone, and Three.
The solution has allowed patients, staff, and visitors to use their mobile devices on any mobile network, to make and receive phone calls, access data services, and receive text messages whilst in the hospital. The team now benefits from health and safety, productivity, and operational advantages of being able to use mobile devices on the move within the hospital building.
Following the success of this project, Boost Pro is now looking to deploy this technology across the trust.
