Wi-fi on the wards plan

WARRINGTON And Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WHH) has been picked as a national pilot site to go wireless and launch wi-fi internet across its buildings.

The project is one of 16 locations around the country chosen for the test run.

Under the scheme, wi-fi internet will be available for patients, visitors and staff.

A trust spokeswoman said NHS digital has awarded it a £200,000 grant to commission and complete the work by the end of December 2017.

Scheme backers said the project will provide a secure, stable, and reliable Wi-fi capability across all NHS locations including at Halton General and the neighbouring Cheshire And Merseyside NHS Treatment Centre, and allow patients and the public to download health apps, browse the internet and access health and care information. Work on installing the system is due to start soon. Kimberley Salmon-Jamieson, WHH chief nurse, said: “The organisation-wide Wi-fi will improve patient and visitor experiences, allowing them to enjoy using the internet around our sites on their personal devices, which will only add to the comfort and enjoyment of their time here.”