Case Study - Midland Metropolitan University Hospital
SOLiD & Freshwave Partnership
In collaboration with Freshwave, SOLiD has delivered indoor mobile coverage for all network operators at Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.
Working in partnership with Freshwave, SOLiD has enabled indoor mobile coverage for all the mobile operators at Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, part of Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust. By delivering reliable, high-quality mobile connectivity for both patients and medical staff, the project aligns closely with the NHS’s long-term ambition to digitally enable care across the health service.
This approach is increasingly recognised as essential. The New Hospital Programme now recommends that all future hospitals incorporate indoor mobile coverage as part of their core digital infrastructure.
Hospitals present a unique set of challenges for mobile connectivity. Construction materials such as lead-lined walls can severely restrict outdoor signals, while the high numbers of staff, patients, and visitors place significant demand on network capacity. As a result, selecting a partner with healthcare-specific expertise and a proven track record is critical.
Recognising that seamless connectivity underpins both patient experience and operational resilience, the Trust made a strategic decision to ensure robust mobile coverage from day one.
Located in Smethwick, just outside Birmingham, Midland Metropolitan University Hospital is the Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust’s acute healthcare facility, opened in October 2024.
The state-of-the-art hospital includes an emergency department, maternity suite, and acute inpatient services for a population of more than half a million people, with approximately 700 beds across 11 floors.
The deployed network spans 950,000 square feet, delivering comprehensive coverage throughout the hospital.
“This was an innovative and challenging project that we were delighted to deliver in conjunction with Freshwave. We’re excited to be able to provide this multi-band, multi-operator cellular coverage solution for the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.”
- Steven Gallagher - Managing Director, SOLiD EMEA
The network delivers premium voice and high-speed data services for staff, patients, and visitors. The DAS solution supports 2G, 3G, and 4G connectivity, with a clear upgrade path to 5G.
SOLiD supplied its active digital DAS solution, GENESIS, to provide coverage and capacity across the site. Each radio node is powered via existing Cat 6a cabling using Power over Ethernet (PoE), helping to minimise installation complexity and cost. The SOLiD GENESIS DAS supports all the mobile operators, with four radio bands contained within a single compact unit to enhance the overall aesthetics of the installation.
This solution delivers tangible benefits to clinicians, patients, and visitors alike. As healthcare increasingly relies on digital systems and real-time communication, resilient mobile connectivity is essential to support clinical workflows, coordination between teams, and patient engagement.
“ This cellular system will unlock endless possibilities for Midland Met. Not only will patients be able to keep in touch with loved ones, but mobile connectivity supports clinical and non-clinical staff to resolve flow barriers essential to daily planning, as well as maintaining business continuity.”
- Mark Taylor - MMUH Digital Lead Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust
Looking ahead, continued technological advancement will only increase this reliance. Against the backdrop of ongoing pressures on the NHS, it is vital that digital infrastructure investments deliver long-term value.
“We’re delighted to have brought Midland Metropolitan University Hospital the assured connectivity it needs and deserves. Connectivity is key to delivering excellent patient care both today and as technologies develop in the future, especially given the many pressures the health service is facing. We’re pleased to be working closely with the team there to ensure that the connectivity delivers long-term value to the hospital and communities it serves.”
- Simon Frumkin - CEO at Freshwave
Through their partnership, SOLiD and Freshwave have delivered a resilient, future-ready mobile connectivity solution that supports the hospital’s digital ambitions from day one.
