The Hola 5G Oulu project has successfully launched its private 5G standalone (SA) network at Oulu University Hospital, marking Europe’s first private 5G network in a functioning hospital. This achievement revolutionises healthcare with advanced technology. The established network enables real-time data sharing and the integration of cutting-edge medical technologies. The project will free up valuable resources and streamline workflows enabling nurses and doctors to focus more on face-to-face patient care and less on administrative tasks by connecting them with innovative wireless wearable devices. Surgeons will have constant visual access to patients’ vital signs during surgeries using WICOAR Technologies Oy’s AR smart glasses. In the wards, smart glasses and mobile apps will enhance communication and data visualisation, reducing administrative tasks, and enabling faster diagnoses and treatment decisions.

The project is a collaborative effort between Boldyn Networks (Boldyn), the University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, and WICOAR Technologies. The consortium has secured funding from the European Commission’s CEF Digital program to develop and deploy this private 5G network. This initiative represents the first-ever private 5G deployment in a European hospital, which enables advanced wireless wearable solutions to improve patient care. A key component of this initiative is the development of wireless wearable solutions by WICOAR Technologies. These devices provide healthcare professionals with immediate access to live patient data, facilitating quicker diagnoses and personalized treatment plans. The wearables are designed to streamline workflows, reduce administrative tasks, and allow medical staff to focus more on patient interaction. 

The deployment process involved meticulous design, rigorous lab testing, and comprehensive on-site installation to ensure the network’s stability and resilience. The private 5G SA network offers dedicated bandwidth, ultra-low latency, enhanced security, and geo-redundancy, ensuring uninterrupted service even during power outages or other disruptions.

This groundbreaking project not only positions Oulu University Hospital at the forefront of healthcare innovation but also serves as a model for future hospital networks globally. By leveraging 5G technology and wearable solutions, the Hola 5G Oulu project is transforming patient care and setting new standards for healthcare delivery.

Source (text and image): Hola 5G Oulu