In brief
HKT says it has launched a 5G private network for Kwong Wah Hospital, which it describes as Hong Kong’s first. The network supports secure mobile communications for authorised clinical and non-clinical staff, including collaboration and data transfer in operating theatres. HKT says doctors at different locations can use high-definition 4K video for remote surgery consultations. The company also introduced KWH@Work, a mobile app that connects with the Hospital Authority’s network and supports remote staff collaboration. The app digitises parts of the patient discharge workflow, bringing together clinical, laboratory, pharmacy and administrative teams. HKT says the network could support additional applications, including medical image analysis and asset tracking. The company also reports that the solution received a Gold Award in the HealthTech category at the 2023 CAHK STAR Awards.
Key takeaways
- HKT says its 5G private network for Kwong Wah Hospital is Hong Kong’s first.
- The network supports remote consultations, staff collaboration and secure data transfer, including in operating theatres.
- KWH@Work supports remote coordination and digitises parts of the patient discharge workflow.
- HKT says the solution received a HealthTech Gold Award at the 2023 CAHK STAR Awards.
HONG KONG, December 18, 2023 -- HKT has introduced the Hong Kong’s first 5G Private Network for Kwong Wah Hospital. Through 5G remote communications, this innovation allows secure application of a mobile platform that supports different operations and services for authorised clinical and non-clinical professionals while on the move, significantly improving operational efficiency and enhances overall patient experience. This pioneering 5G initiative is a significant breakthrough in the digitalisation of the public healthcare system, which opens up new avenues for cross-hospital technology applications powered by 5G.
Acknowledging Kwong Wah Hospital's crucial role and commitment to delivering superb quality healthcare and emergency services, HKT has developed a dedicated 5G Private Network designed specifically to meet the hospital's operational needs, with an emphasis on time and data security. This cutting-edge network presents four significant benefits for the applications operating on it: secured performance, exceptional reliability, unparalleled security, and extensive accessibility, not just within the hospital’s premises, but also under the full coverage of HKT’s 5G network in Hong Kong.
The 5G Private Network also empowers real-time collaboration and secure data transfer within operating theatres. By harnessing the ultra-high speed and ultra-low latency of the 5G network, the concept of 5G Operating Theatre has become a reality. This revolutionary innovation enables real-time 5G Remote Surgery Consultations, seamlessly connecting panel doctors and specialists from different locations and hospitals. The doctors and specialists can now engage in high-definition live streaming of 4K videos, as if they were physically present in the same operating theatre. The integration of this advanced technology significantly enhances surgical procedures, facilitates expert consultations and fosters optimal surgical outcomes.
HKT has also introduced the innovative KWH@Work mobile app for Kwong Wah Hospital, designed to enhance connectivity and optimise the workflow of clinical and non-clinical professionals. Utilising the 5G data channel of the Private Network, this innovative solution connects to the Hospital Authority’s network and enables smooth remote collaborations among users both inside and outside the hospital premises. In addition, the app digitises patient discharge processes involving frontline clinical staff, the hospital laboratory, the pharmacy, and administrative teams. By replacing multiple phone calls with remote collaborations on the app, this advancement significantly boosts operational efficiency, streamlines the entire workflow, and ensures a more efficient and coordinated approach to patient care.
Steve Ng, Managing Director, Commercial Group, HKT, said, “The implementation of 5G Private Network has significantly transformed the way hospitals operate. The benefits of 5G Private Network extend beyond enabling remote communication and collaboration among multidisciplinary medical staff. This cutting-edge network design establishes a robust foundation for secure communications in data-rich environments and allows real-time collaboration. It paves the way for the adoption of various technological applications such as AI Assisted Medical Image Analysis, 5G Nurse Station, RTLS Medical Asset Tracking and HoloMedicine. The success of this solution has earned us the “Best HealthTech – Gold Award” at the esteemed 2023 CAHK STAR Awards."
“As a leading ICT solutions provider in Hong Kong, we remain commited to supporting the healthcare industry and other sectors through digital transformation, leveraging our expertise in solution design and system integration.” added Ng.
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About HKT
HKT is a technology, media, and telecommuniction leader with more than 150 years of history in Hong Kong. As the city’s true 5G provider, HKT connects businesses and people locally and globally. Our end-to-end enterprise solutions make us a market-leading digital transformation partner of choice for businesses, whereas our comprehensive connectivity and smart living offerings enrich people’s lives and cater for their diverse needs for work, entertainment, education, well-being, and even a sustainable low-carbon lifestyle. Together with our digital ventures which support digital economy development and help connect Hong Kong to the world as an international financial centre, HKT endeavours to contribute to smart city development and help our community tech forward.
For more information, please visit www.hkt.com.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hkt
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Questions around this news
What does the 5G private network enable at Kwong Wah Hospital?
The network supports secure mobile access for authorised clinical and non-clinical staff, including remote collaboration and data transfer. The release says it also supports real-time consultations between doctors and specialists at different locations, with 4K video streaming in operating theatres. It is designed for use within the hospital and across the provider’s Hong Kong 5G coverage.
How does the KWH@Work app support hospital staff?
The app connects to the Hospital Authority’s network through the private network’s 5G data channel and supports remote collaboration inside and outside the hospital. It also digitises parts of the patient discharge process, bringing together frontline clinical staff, laboratory, pharmacy and administrative teams. The release says this replaces multiple phone calls with collaboration through the app.
What is a 5G private network?
A 5G private network is a cellular network set up for the use of a particular organisation or site, rather than general public access. It can be configured to meet operational requirements such as coverage, access control and performance. Organisations may use one to connect devices, applications and staff while managing network access for their own operations.
What does low latency mean in a 5G network?
Latency is the time it takes for data to travel between connected devices or systems. Low latency means that delay is reduced, which can help applications respond more quickly to user actions or transmit information in near real time. The effect depends on the network, application and conditions of use.
