September 27, 2007 - At St. Anthony's Hospital in Oklahoma City, Siemens Building Technologies Inc. recently demonstrated the potential of wireless building controls in hospitals without disrupting patient care or hospital operations with its APOGEE Wireless Field Level Network (WFLN).
“Transitioning to wireless controls was unlike any other construction project I’ve experienced at St. Anthony's,” says John Mobley, facilities manager at St. Anthony’s Hospital. “It was not invasive to our operations and has resulted in improved conditions for the rest of the staff and most importantly our patients and their families.”
Two years ago St. Anthony’s, one of the largest hospitals in Oklahoma City, needed critical updates in order to maintain a comfortable environment for its patients and staff. Upgrading the system would also improve operational efficiency, saving the hospital from costly maintenance fees incurred because of outdated equipment.
Siemens included replacing HVAC controls in patient care areas, isolation rooms, surgical suites and the mechanical plant. Acknowledging the unique environment of a hospital, Siemens approached the project with a wireless solution in mind. APOGEE Wireless now provides St. Anthony’s with a low-fault and unobtrusive control communication system.
“Working with Siemens on upgrading our building controls protects and increases the value of our investment in our facility,” said Mobley.
Because the networks are installed without hard wiring, wireless-based systems offer hospital and patient care facility designers, managers and builders more choice and fewer constraints. One of the greatest benefits of a wireless solution is its potential to reduce the amount of cable and the number of ceiling penetrations, which lowers the amount of airborne contamination and other risks associated with construction.
In spite of the many physical obstructions found in healthcare facilities, network integrity is maintained by Siemens wireless mesh technology because it creates multiple redundant paths of communication. Mesh networks are inherently self-healing, so users won't have to worry about losing communication with control devices across the building automation system.
For more information: www.usa.siemens.com/buildingtechnologies