Connecting Patients and Caregivers: CTS Enhances Connectivity at Memorial Sloan Kettering

Enhancing Connectivity at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Communication Technology Services (CTS) has recently implemented a state-of-the-art Distributed Antenna System (DAS) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York City. Recognized globally for its exceptional cancer care and healthcare innovation, MSKCC is poised to significantly benefit from this upgrade, which aims to improve cellular coverage across its sprawling campus.

The DAS installation covers a remarkable 1.1 million square feet, encompassing seven buildings that form a vital part of the hospital’s infrastructure. Key buildings benefiting from this enhancement include the Memorial Hospital, Enid A. Haupt Pavilion, and the Arnold and Marie Schwartz Center. This installation is not just an upgrade; it represents MSKCC's commitment to ensuring that patients, healthcare professionals, and visitors enjoy seamless communication across its facilities.

The integration of the new DAS system aims to address several crucial needs within the hospital environment:

1. Improved Patient Care: By providing reliable cellular coverage, healthcare staff can efficiently access patient records and crucial medical databases, enabling more timely and accurate patient care. The implementation of telemedicine services is also more feasible, facilitating remote consultations and follow-ups, thereby expanding patient care access.

2. Enhanced Communication: With the DAS, the hospital's medical staff enjoys stronger and more consistent cellular signals. This improvement is pivotal, especially in critical situations where immediate communication can impact patient outcomes. Enhanced coordination among medical teams can lead to quicker response times and more effective patient management.

3. Visitor Convenience: For patients' families and guests, staying connected is vital during hospital visits. The DAS allows them to remain in touch with loved ones, follow up on work, or access entertainment options like streaming services, limiting the stress that can often accompany hospital stays.

4. Operational Efficiency: The DAS supports various wireless applications across MSKCC, from mobile health devices to electronic health record systems. This feature not only streamlines daily operations but also reduces potential downtimes, allowing the healthcare facility to function more smoothly.

Thomas Cotter, the Associate Director of Wireless Infrastructure at MSKCC, expressed enthusiasm over the benefits this technology brings. He noted that clinical staff have already reported improved experiences, with many excited to see '4 bars' of service on their devices. This advancement in connectivity is crucial for their daily operations.

Brian Higgins, Director of Sales at CTS, echoed this sentiment, stating that the DAS significantly improves wireless experiences and enhances healthcare professionals' ability to communicate effectively, ensuring they are equipped to provide critical care. The shift to leveraging 5G service using the new C-Band spectrum aligns with the evolving demands for better connectivity in hospital settings.

The project, executed with minimal disruption to normal hospital operations, also included future maintenance and monitoring services that will ensure the DAS operates at peak efficiency. Moreover, CTS' tailored approach to connectivity solutions illustrates their understanding of the complex networking demands within healthcare facilities.

Through this groundbreaking advancement in connectivity at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, CTS and MSKCC not only reaffirm their dedication to patient care but also set a new standard for operational excellence in the healthcare sector.

For more insights about the connectivity solutions offered by CTS, visit cts1.com.