Siemens Building Technologies Pioneers Wireless Solution for St. Anthony's Sensitive Environment
September 27 2007 - 3:51PM
PR Newswire (US)
Wireless Communications Key to Upgrading Building Controls Without
Disrupting Hospital Patients or Operations BUFFALO GROVE, Ill.,
Sept. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- . At St. Anthony's Hospital in
Oklahoma City, Siemens Building Technologies, Inc., recently
demonstrated the potential of wireless building controls in
hospitals. Without disrupting patient care or hospital operations,
the APOGEE(R) Wireless Field Level Network (WFLN) solution helped
provide a flexible and reliable system. (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO )
"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of outdated equipment.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 As a leading provider of energy
and environmental solutions, building controls, fire safety and
security systems solutions, Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.,
makes buildings comfortable, safe, secure and less costly to
operate. With U.S. headquarters in Buffalo Grove, Ill., Siemens
Building Technologies employs 7,200 people and provides a full
range of services and solutions from more than 100 locations
coast-to-coast. Worldwide, the company has 28,000 employees and
operates from more than 500 locations in 51 countries. For more
information on Siemens Building Technologies, visit:
http://www.usa.siemens.com/buildingtechnologies
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Siemens Building
Technologies, Inc. CONTACT: Erin Dulaney, +1-847-941-5971, Web
site: http://www.sbt.siemens.com/
http://www.usa.siemens.com/buildingtechnologies
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