Modernizing Wireless Connectivity and Empowering Digital Care for a State Hospital System
Challenge
A large state hospital system had expanded through a series of acquisitions. Although the growth brought needed care to citizens throughout the state, it also highlighted technology challenges — namely, the need to modernize wireless connectivity.
Many of the care facilities acquired by the hospital system were using Cisco 3702i wireless access points that had reached end of life. Dropouts, coverage gaps and an overall lack of performance were disrupting hospital operations. Additionally, the old access points couldn't support new digital care capabilities like wireless location-based services.
With a desire to modernize wireless connectivity and empower digital care, the hospital system turned to WWT.
Solution
WWT worked closely with the hospital system's small but seasoned network management team to create a solution that addressed the need for new wireless access points as well as upgrades to supporting infrastructure.
We started by conducting in-depth assessments across multiple health campuses that examined connectivity holistically. In doing so, we uncovered issues beyond just the outdated wireless equipment, including problems with cabling, switching, firmware and intermediate distribution frames (IDFs).
Equipped with this baseline understanding, we then collaborated with the network management team to craft a strategic plan that would address both wireless capabilities and broader network modernization needs.
This included replacing the end-of-life Cisco 3702i access points with newer 9126 and 9136 models, which would deliver the levels of coverage, bandwidth and reliability needed to meet the hospital system's evolving technology requirements.
Recognizing the inherently complex operational environment of healthcare facilities, WWT assigned an experienced project manager who could navigate the hospital's procedures and processes, such as badging requirements and room-out-of-service protocols. This ensured a seamless and efficient implementation with minimal disruption to patient care.
WWT's wireless engineers also worked closely with the hospital system's network management team, taking the lead on standardizing technical configurations and onboarding new access points.
This collaborative approach, which included project management and technical expertise, resulted in wireless upgrades to six hospital campuses in just three months.
Results
Our solution to modernizing wireless connectivity and empowering digital care was designed to deliver the following outcomes for the health system:
Improved wireless coverage, bandwidth and reliability: New Cisco 9126 and 9136 access points will provide significantly better wireless performance and capacity to support the hospital's growing connectivity needs.
Enablement of new care delivery technologies: Modernized wireless infrastructure will allow the hospital system to leverage RFID-based location services to track the location of equipment, staff and patients, improving operational efficiency and patient care.
Seamless implementation and minimal disruption: The collaborative approach between WWT and the hospital system's network team enabled a smooth cutover process with minimal impact on daily operations.
Scalability and consistency across multiple campuses: Our standardized and centralized management approach allowed the hospital system to efficiently upgrade and unify its wireless infrastructure in short order.
Reduced burden on IT staff: By addressing broader infrastructure challenges beyond just the wireless layer, the WWT solution alleviated the workload on the hospital system's small network management team.