NRGH patients and visitors can stay connected via free Wi-Fi

Nanaimo – Thanks to the generosity of the Nanaimo Hospital Auxiliary, patients and visitors at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital now have free access to Wi-Fi.

 “The Auxiliary is committed to supporting patient comfort,” said Auxiliary President Phil Robling. “We are happy to be able to provide this amenity to patients and guests at NRGH and make it a little easier from them to use their email or access the Internet while they’re here.”

 “We’re very pleased to be able to provide the funding that will support this amenity at our hospital.”

The Auxiliary has committed to pay the operating cost for public Wi-Fi, estimated to be up to $5,000 annually. Island Health will provide the service within the hospital’s existing Wi-Fi system, without adding any new wireless signals or access points.

Site leaders are excited about being able to offer the service. “Patients and visitors will appreciate having access to Wi-Fi, particularly if they need to spend long periods of time in the hospital,” said NRGH Site Director Marci Ekland. “We’re truly grateful to the Auxiliary for supporting this service.”

Free public Wi-Fi will support basic Internet browsing, but not the large bandwidths associated with high-definition video streaming.  Patients and visitors can access the new service by searching for and connecting to the wireless network “IslandHealthGuestWiFi”.

NRGH is the second hospital on Vancouver Island to provide free public Wi-Fi to patients and visitors; the first was the new two-campus North Island Hospital that opening last fall. Island Health’s goal is to expand public Wi-Fi to other facilities in the future. A timeline for expansion to other Island Health facilities has not been determined.

About The Nanaimo Hospital Auxiliary
The Nanaimo Hospital Auxiliary is a long-standing all-volunteer organization that has raised more than $3 million for NRGH in the last 10 years. Its members provide nearly 40,000 hours of community service annually. The Auxiliary’s mission is to provide service and financial help for patient care and comfort items.

About Nanaimo Regional General Hospital
With more than 2,400 employees, 500 affiliated care providers and nearly 400 volunteers, NRGH is the largest Island Health facility in the Central Island region.

Media Inquiries:
Cheryl Bloxham
250-739-6303
Cheryl.Bloxham@islandhealth.ca