THUNDER BAY – Healthbeat – More and more people rely on their mobile devices for communications in their day-to-day activities. This includes patients and families, physicians, and staff at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. With an eye on ensuring they were able to stay connected while onsite, Tbaytel was approached to upgrade cellular coverage within the facility itself. It was an extensive project and Nella Lawrence, Manager, Project Planning at the Health Sciences Centre began discussions with Tbaytel to find a solution.
“The in-building cellular upgrade for Health Sciences Centre was a significant investment in terms of cost,” Lawrence said. “Tbaytel saw it as an opportunity to enhance its cellular coverage and capacity in the surrounding areas and provided the upgrade to us at no cost as part of an overall solution for the Health Sciences Centre and its customers.”
“This was an opportunity for Tbaytel to improve communications access and at the same time support the Health Sciences Centre,” said Don Campbell, President & CEO at Tbaytel. “We were able to deploy an in-building cellular solution that allows patients and families the ability to communicate seamlessly within the facility and, as important, the Health Sciences Centre was able to focus their resources on quality patient care.”
The initiative was part of Tbaytel’s increased investment in the new 4G wireless network from $5.8 million to $9.2 million in 2012. “Providing the right user experience for our customers is our top priority,” said Campbell.
Dan Beaudry, Director of Information Technology at the Health Sciences Centre agreed. “Tbaytel has proven to be an excellent corporate partner. This is a showcase of significant corporate social responsibility on the part of Tbaytel,” he said.
In addition to this in-kind support, Tbaytel has contributed considerable funds to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation in support of the Tbaytel Tamarack House, Tbaytel Luncheon of Hope, angioplasty services, and other areas of patient and family care.
Glenn Craig, President & CEO of the Foundation, noted the impact of Tbaytel’s contributions. “Together, we are fulfilling the needs of patients and families both in terms of healthcare delivery and connectivity. Tbaytel continues to be an extraordinary supporter,” Craig said.
In-building urban sites are also now operational at the Thunder Bay International Airport and a new site has been installed to service Mariday Park. Current work is focused on improving coverage at Confederation College, and the areas of Westfort, Intercity, Northwood, and Current River.
In the region surrounding Thunder Bay, Tbaytel has turned on a number of new rural sites and increased coverage and capacity in the regional communities of Fort Frances, Kenora, and Dryden. Network improvements will continue throughout the region in 2012.