The National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh (NOHC) is developing a funding proposal to support a “comprehensive” upgrade of its wi-fi system.
A NOHC spokesperson told the Medical Independent: “There are intermittent issues with regard to wi-fi downtime in certain areas of the hospital as the hospital network is being upgraded; however, it is being addressed on an ongoing basis.”
The issue was “not unique to NOHC” and stemmed from “lack of investment in ICT in public hospitals”. The spokesperson said the HSE had provided some funding to upgrade the network.
The hospital will also be conducting an independent survey of its wi-fi system across the campus. “The data collected will support a funding proposal to the HSE in the first quarter of 2026 for a comprehensive wi-fi upgrade to guarantee coverage throughout the campus. Built on top of the hospital’s current network, which is being fully upgraded, this new wi-fi infrastructure will significantly enhance the quality and reliability of wireless connectivity for everyone.”
A “clinical risk” associated with poor internet connection in theatres was noted in minutes of an executive management team meeting at NOHC earlier this year.
According to minutes of the meeting on 30 April 2025, poor internet connection in some theatres was “proving to be a clinical risk as consultants cannot be contacted in emergencies”. The minutes were released under Freedom of Information law.
“The particular item referred to in the minutes arises as a result of poor internet connection in certain theatres,” said the NOHC spokesperson, who noted that mobile phone networks do not work in lead-lined theatres.
“While it would be preferable that consultants can contact each other on their mobile phones should an emergency arise, the theatres are in very close proximity to each other and there are also landlines in all theatres. There are always a number of staff in the area that can liaise between the theatres.”
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