Published: November 28, 2009 12:24 am      

HMHd board approves wireless network

GREENVILLE — A direct wireless link connecting Hunt Regional Medical Center, Hunt Regional Minor Care, both in Greenville, and Hunt Regional Community Hospital in Commerce is on the horizon.

The Hunt Memorial Hospital District Board of Directors unanimously approved the installation of a wireless network connecting the three campus for the purpose of sharing patient information, Wi-Fi access and high speed Internet capabilities during Tuesday’s regular meeting.

Board members James Barr and Sue Porter were not present

Joe Hartley, director of information systems for HMHD, gave a brief presentation regarding the wireless network to board members, during which time he stated more than 100 Wi-Fi ports would be installed between the three campuses and that the hospital district would apply for a Federal Communications Commission license for a secure bandwidth in an effort to prevent hacking.

According to Hartley, the wireless network could eventually be used to provide Internet access to patients and visitors.

“The biggest challenge for a hospital our size is that it is expensive and difficult to set up properly. This requires some network infrastructure expansion,” said Hartley. “We have recommended an FCC license so that it is not hacked.”

Approximately $350,000 had been budgeted for the wireless network, but the total price of the project will come in under budget, according to Hartley.

“We are still coming in under budget at $322,544,” said Hartley.

The next regular meeting of the HMHD Board of Directors is scheduled for Dec. 17.