UKZN funds Wi-Fi in KZN hospitals

THE University of KwaZulu-Natal’s College of Health Sciences (CHS) together with the Information and Communication Services Division (ICS) has invested a total of R8 million to support the roll out of free Wi-Fi technology at district hospitals in KZN.

Technological advances have provided the opportunity to improve communication and information transfer. The installation of Wi-Fi in eight hospitals in Durban and five hospitals in Pietermaritzburg enables UKZN’s CHS to promote remote interaction among staff and students, including participation in tutorials and seminars. Hospitals where Wi-Fi has been installed are RK Khan, Prince Mshiyeni Memorial, Addington, Greys, Edendale, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central, King Edward, Wentworth, Ghandi Memorial, Townhill, King George and Northdale.

In 2013, UKZN provided 1400 students in the CHS with Proline tablets and initiated an exciting teaching and learning project, applying push technology to enable real-time interaction, at both the bedside and tutorial/lecture room, between students and lecturers, and among peers. This technology also allows for archiving and retrieval of all materials at convenience at a later date.

Wi-Fi enabled hospitals aim to improve communication among staff and students but also gives healthcare professionals real-time mobile access to collaboration tools, patient records, test results, MRI files and other vital information while doing their rounds, at the same time keeping in touch with UKZN departments.

However, none of the online technology would be possible without the infrastructural development capacitating hospitals to enable it. UKZN’s CHS is very fortunate to have a strong partnership with the KZN Department of Health.

The Department has invested hugely in infrastructure development in the hospitals, including state of the art equipment. As such UKZN’s students are exposed to cutting edge interventions, with facilities that are globally competitive.