October 5, 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, the APOGEE Wireless Field Level Network (WFLN) solution helped provide a flexible and reliable system, says Siemens.
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system would also improve operational efficiency, saving the hospital from costly maintenance fees incurred because of outdated equipment.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 understood right away which changes were necessary for St. Anthony’s. Steps 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.
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, says Siemens. 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 on Siemens Building Technologies, see the Web site.
