Individual Post

 The recent launch of a free Wi-Fi service across Southern Trust hospitals and facilities will mean that patients and visitors can now stay in touch with family and friends during their stay in hospital.

Up until now, people coming into Trust hospitals /facilities had to rely on a good mobile phone signal and also faced a potential cost for communicating via the internet. 

The new service is layered on top of the current clinical WIFI network and therefore is not affected by mobile Black Spots.  Following security testing the new service was rolled out and already demand is averaging 800-1000 devices daily across Trust facilities. 

Kevin Keegan from Ballyhegan is just one of many who are delighted to be able to use their smart phone while visiting Craigavon Area Hospital. Kevin was recently in the hospital’s Maternity Unit with wife Alison and said: 

“It’s great to have access to Free WiFi to keep family and friends updated during this precious time in our lives as we welcome baby Sadie into our family. It also keeps Sadie’s big sister Lileigh occupied as she can now watch kid’s TV and play games on her tablet.” 

Stephen Hylands, Southern Trust Head of Information Technology said:

“The introduction of this free Wi-Fi service is a particularly welcome development for our patients who can now use this to stay in touch with family and friends through social media and messaging apps or simply access the web and not have to worry about mobile coverage during their stay. Patients and visitors who would like to use the Wi-Fi should connect to:FREE_SHSCT_WiFi”