The European Commission is to fund a private 5G network at Oulu University Hospital in Finland. The private 5G network will be used to enable clinical adoption of wireless wearable technologies for patient care. The University Hospital is working with the University of Oulu, Boldyn Networks and WICOAR Technologies.

The European Commission funding is being allocated in the CEF Digital programme, and has been awarded to the partners “Hola 5G Oulu” project.

The network is considered the first private 5G network to be deployed at an operating hospital in Europe.

The “Hola 5G Oulu” project aims to create a robust and secure network for demanding healthcare environments. It will begin with an entire floor of one of the patient wards and selected operating theatres. These will serve as a platform for research and development.

The consortium will research and develop advanced data sharing and visualisation techniques aiming to define efficient patient care. 

WICOAR Technologies will employ the private 5G network to develop wireless wearable solutions. These will be employed by patients, nurses and doctors. Wearables are planned to retrieve live patient data, including medical imaging and test results. Doctors will be able to make diagnoses more quickly during patient rounds and reduce the time needed in front of the computer. Wearables also reduce the workload of nurses as they do not need to retrieve data before the patient’s appointment. The wearables will be able to recreate visuals of patients’ vital monitoring, past diagnoses, and medical results for surgeons.

The 5G private network will also allow anaesthetists to see and monitor all details of a surgery remotely and guide other doctors in the operating theatre even if not present in the room.

“The University of Oulu will lead a thorough testing programme for “Hola 5G Oulu”, prioritising patient safety with rigorous network testing. Additionally, streamlined workflows are achieved through usability testing of wireless wearables, ensuring smooth integration into the hospital environment. This meticulous approach minimises disruption, ultimately paving the way for a transformed approach to patient care”, said Mikael von und zu Fraunberg, Professor of Neurosurgery, Chief Physician of Neurosurgery, University of Oulu & Oulu University Hospital.

Petri Parviainen, Senior Key Account Manager at Boldyn Networks said: “We’re bringing our expertise in large, connected venues as well as bespoke private networks to deliver a solution that will undoubtedly be replicated in other hospitals in Finland and globally. Our consortium partnerships exemplify a concerted effort towards creating a healthcare system that is future-proof to comply with the fast-paced societal changes and technological evolution.” He added: “A private 5G network, with its high capacity and high-security nature, will provide the hospital with a reliable network, that can enable innovative healthcare-supporting solutions and solidly maintain its performance, even in the disturbance of a blackout.”