UW Hospital became the first hospital in Madison on Monday to offer free high-speed wireless Internet access for patients and visitors to use during their stays.
Lisa Brunette, UW Hospital media relations director, said this advance in technology is becoming a national trend, and is important for a large medical research center.
It certainly allows people who are here for an extended period of time, like after an organ transplant or cancer treatment, to be able to contact the outside world without having to worry about finding a spot or plugging in the jack,"" Brunette said.
The hospital is paying Mad City Broadband, a local wireless provider, a flat rate for the service, according to Mad City spokesperson Eve Galanter.
Mike Sauk, UW Hospital vice president and chief information officer, said the American Family Children's Hospital, which opened in August, has the same high-speed wireless connection.
About a year and half ago, the city of Madison selected Mad City, which typically works with apartment owners and management companies, to construct a wireless network around a 10-square-mile area of Madison.
According to Galanter, Mad City has been working with the hospital for a few months to install the necessary tools for the Internet connection, even though the hospital falls outside the constructed border.
This advance in the hospital's technology is part of a three to four year process, according to Brunette.
Sauk said the goal of having wireless is to offer shortcuts for physicians, who eventually hope to be able to order tests for patients online.
""Not only will it be better documented, but the speed with which the patient will get the order will be improved,"" he said.
Galanter said Mad City was excited to help the hospital in its combined ""ground-breaking effort.""
""I think we have all experienced the sitting and waiting, either for our appointments or while someone else is in having a procedure,"" she said.
""This will be a major improvement in that hospital setting experience.""
