Free Wi-Fi introduced to Stafford County Hospital
Patients can now save cash and stay in touch with the outside world more easily at Staffordshire’s two main hospitals – thanks to free Wi-Fi.
The service went live on Monday and is available across Stafford’s County Hospital and the Royal Stoke University Hospital.
It comes after University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) NHS Trust – which runs the two complexes – received £182,000 NHS England funding towards providing the free NHS Wi-Fi service.
Wi-Fi services have been available to Royal Stoke patients and visitors since 2015 – but they had to pay to use them for longer than 15 minutes. That meant patients and visitors were charged £3.25 for three hours use; £6 for 24 hours; £12 for one week; £15.20 for one month; £42 for three months; £75 for six months and £120 for a year’s usage.
But those wanting faster Wi-Fi speeds for downloading or streaming video will still be charged. The new NHS Wi-Fi ‘premium’ service will cost £5 for one day; £10 for one week; £20 for one month; £40 for three months; £80 for six months and £160 for a year.
A report to this month’s UHNM board meeting said: “On April 1, we introduced free Wi-Fi which enables patients to browse the internet and check emails free of charge. We know from listening to patients that this will make a big difference to those using our services.”
Non-executive director Leigh Griffin added: “It is great news that free Wi-Fi is now available.”
Health campaigner Ian Syme has welcomed the free Wi-Fi – and backed the premium service charge.
The North Staffordshire Healthwatch leader said: “This is great for patients and staff because if they are held up they can contact people via the Wi-Fi.
“At this moment in time I do agree with the charges for downloading because if you’re streaming a TV show then that is a huge amount of bandwidth and the Wi-Fi shouldn’t be abused.
“A hospital is not a hotel but at least it gives patients the opportunity to keep in touch with their relatives via WhatsApp and email. By using social media and apps they can keep in contact with the world that’s outside being poorly – it helps recovery and is the same reason why you have visits from friends, relatives and volunteers.
“We’re in the 21st century and have to use the available technology. It should benefit everyone.”
