Siemens Building Technologies,
Inc. demonstrated the potential of wireless building controls in hospitals at
St. Anthony’s Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK. Without disrupting patient care or
hospital operations, the APOGEE® Wireless Field Level Network (WFLN) solution
helped provide a flexible and reliable system.
“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costly maintenance fees incurred because of outdated equipment.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 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.
“Working with Siemens on upgrading
our building controls protects and increases the value of our investment in our
facility,” says 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.
Wireless solutions can also limit
maintenance costs associated with troubleshooting, as there is no physical
communications media that can be accidentally damaged, thus reducing the amount
of time spent.
