US-based Extreme Networks, a cloud-driven networking company, has announced the Community of Madrid’s Agency for Digital Administration (Madrid Digital) has deployed Extreme wireless networking solutions to connect hospitals, nursing homes, mental health, and occupational therapy centres with their patients within the Madrid region of Spain.

WHY IT MATTERS

This will help approximately 17,000 healthcare and administrative staff, working across 30 locations, who rely on the new network to access electronic medical records, communicate with colleagues and patients and collect data from connected medical devices.

Madrid Digital can provide over 1.5 million citizens with access to virtual health and social services, including remote video-consultations and digital healthcare which will protect staff and patients from the risk of contagion.

The centralised network management, will reduce time spent managing the network and costs associated with outsourcing the acquisition and management of servers.

THE LARGER CONTEXT

Virtual health and social service have seen a rapid increase in demand during the coronavirus crisis. Studies have started to collate reports on its benefits and drawbacks to gauge whether it is here to stay. For example, a recent virtual physiotherapy study showed that it is just as effective as in-person treatment.

In the UK, health secretary, Matt Hancock said GP consultations should be remote by default, however GPs called for caution as remote consultations may increase stress levels for both patients and doctors and remove the human touch out of general practice.

Meanwhile in the US, telehealth provider Doctor on Demand announced $75 million in Series D funding to fuel growth and expand access among patients.

ON THE RECORD

Javier Jimenez, country manager - Spain, Extreme Networks, said: "The future of healthcare and social services is digital, and Madrid Digital is right to invest in a clinical-grade, high-density Wi-Fi solution to provide seamless, secure telehealth services. We are proud to provide the essential networking solutions required to help Madrid Digital advance modern patient care for 1.5 million citizens in a safe and effortless manner.”

Carlos Alonso Sanz, project manager and systems engineer, Madrid Digital, said: “This strategic project is clearly illustrative of the advanced digital transformation strategy that Madrid Digital has been promoting for the social-healthcare environment, and we are thrilled to partner with Extreme Networks to make this vision a reality. The project has managed to meet all of its objectives and has paved the way for the implementation of subsequent infrastructures, as well as the creation of new applications to respond to growing demand for digital service delivery among citizens and social healthcare professionals.”