Virgin Media O2 Business has switched on the UK’s first 5G-connected hospital with South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust at Bethlem Royal Hospital.
The switch on marks the start of new digital health and innovation trials at Maudsley Digital Lab funded by the NHS- using a private 5G network to produce connectivity for use cases for clinicians and patients.
The Maudsley Smart Hospital and Maudsley Smart Pharmacy 5G trials are live across two wards at Bethlem Royal Hospital and will investigate the benefits of using 5G connected technologies.
The e-Obs (e-Observations) app means clinicians monitor patients vital signs, as well as using handheld devices to update patients records.
An IoT innovation lab and platform will look at smart, connected use cases including tracking air quality inside wards and remotely monitoring fridges so medicine is stored at the correct temperature.
‘Remote Expert’, Virgin Media O2 Business’s AR connected headset will allow a specialist in another location to lead on-site workers when completing complex tasks.
Using Spatial Insights, AI will be used to create heat maps to identify movement patterns in the hospital so staff can get a better insight into waiting times and busy hotspots in the hospital.
Virgin Media O2 Business large enterprise and public sector director Mike Smith said: “We’re proud to announce the switch-on of the UK’s first 5G-connected hospital – showing how next-generation technology can help create a smarter, modern healthcare service for everyone.
“Our aim is to map out the rollout of wireless and smart hospital connectivity across the NHS estate over the next three to five years.
“Trials like this are the embodiment of our mission to upgrade the UK, and a clear sign of the role we can play in helping to shape the NHS of the future.”