The Hola 5G Oulu project marks a ground-breaking achievement as Europe’s first hospital powered by a private 5G network. Designed to meet the critical demands of healthcare, this secure network will support the intense pressures of medical environments, focusing initially on an entire patient ward floor and select operating theatres. It positions Oulu University Hospital as a hub for research and development, enhancing Oulu’s reputation as a leader in technological and medical innovation.
The project is a collaborative effort between Boldyn Networks (Boldyn), the University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, and WICOAR Technologies. The consortium has secured funding from the European Commission’s CEF Digital program to develop and deploy this private 5G network. This initiative represents the first-ever private 5G deployment in a European hospital, enabling advanced wireless wearable solutions to improve patient care.
The consortium aims to revolutionize patient care through cutting-edge data-sharing and visualization techniques. WICOAR Technologies is spearheading the development of wireless wearable solutions, which will be integral to enhancing the hospital experience for both patients and healthcare providers. These wearables will offer real-time patient data, including medical imaging and test results, enabling doctors to make faster and more accurate diagnoses during consultations.
By reducing the time spent on data retrieval, these devices allow doctors to focus more on patient interaction. Nurses also benefit as wearables streamline data access, eliminating the need to gather information manually before appointments. Furthermore, the wearables provide surgeons with comprehensive visuals of patients’ vital signs, past diagnoses, and medical history, enhancing surgical precision.
The private 5G network will empower anaesthetists and other specialists to monitor surgeries remotely. They will be able to guide surgeons in real-time, even if they are not physically present in the operating room. This capability ensures greater patient safety and peace of mind during procedures, as experts can offer remote assistance without compromising care quality.
At its core, the Hola 5G Oulu project is about establishing a resilient and secure network tailored to the unique needs of healthcare. By starting with a patient ward floor and select operating theatres, it provides a platform for ongoing research and development. This initiative solidifies Oulu’s status as a centre for technological and medical innovation, setting a new standard for healthcare connectivity across Europe.
With its focus on patient-centered care and technological excellence, Hola 5G Oulu is not just a project—it's a blueprint for the future of smart healthcare.
You can read more about the project here and latest news here. A presentation (in Finnish) providing details is available here.
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