Mobile Coverage at NHS Clatterbridge Cancer Centre

Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool located in the heart of the city’s Knowledge Quarter opened its doors in June 2020. The 11-storey hospital brings state-of-the-art facilities and pioneering treatments to the 2.4m people living across Cheshire and Merseyside; an area with one of the highest rates of cancer in the country.

The spectacular building was uniquely designed to enhance wellbeing, healing, and recovery through a close connection to nature, despite its city centre location.

The Problem

Despite the central location of the hospital, the hospital suffered from very poor mobile coverage, particularly in level M3, M2 M1 and Level 0. The modern construction materials and thick walls were effectively preventing any mobile signal from penetrating the building.

Patients who receive treatment or participate in clinical trials spend prolonged periods of time in the facility and the hospital acknowledged that using their mobile devices would in some cases enhance patient wellbeing and morale. With their primary focus being excellent patient care, the hospital set out to find a solution to improve indoor mobile connectivity.

The Solution

Frequency Telecom commissioned Boost Pro Systems, one of their enlisted CEL-FI certified installation partners, to perform a site survey and install a CEL-FI QUATRA 1000 mobile signal solution. The CEL-FI QUATRA 1000 is an Active DAS Hybrid that provides uniform, high-quality mobile signal throughout a building, and is scalable to the size needed. It is a cost-effective, easy-to-deploy all-digital solution. Unlike older analogue boosters and passive DAS technology, the CEL-FI QUATRA delivers a mobile signal that is up to 1000x stronger, utilizing CAT 5e/6 cabling for RF and Power over Ethernet, with no signal attenuation, right to the perimeter of the building.

The Results

Upon testing the areas that prior to installation had little to no coverage, now enjoyed full coverage. The solution has allowed patients, staff, and visitors to use their mobile devices on any mobile network, to make and receive phone calls, access data services, and receive text messages whilst anywhere in this new progressive hospital.

The next phase of the project is to extend the solution to provide coverage within the Clinical Business Lounge on Level 0 and the main boardroom on level M2.