Patients can now download health apps, browse the internet and access healthcare information while waiting for medical appointments as free Wi-Fi is rolled out across a number of Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust sites.

Patients can use their own smartphone or tablet to get a reliable and secure connection to the internet while waiting for outpatient appointments at the following sites:

• Abbey View iCaSH Clinic in Bury St Edmunds
• Breydon iCaSH Clinic in Great Yarmouth
• Brookfields Hospital in Cambridge
• Doddington Hospital in March
• North Cambs Hospital in Wisbech
• Oak Tree Centre in Huntingdon
• Peterborough Dental Access Centre
• Princess of Wales Hospital in Ely
• Vancouver House in King’s Lynn

As well as enabling patients to access the increasing range of digital health-based information, Wi-Fi enables clinicians to direct patients to online support, making care more efficient and helping people take control of their own wellbeing.

In addition, having access to free Wi-Fi enables patients to stay connected to friends and family using messaging services and can help keep children entertained and provide a welcome distraction from anxiety.

“I’m delighted with the roll-out of free NHS Wi-Fi across our sites as part of the NHS Digital Wi-Fi Programme,” says James Gingell, Assistant Director of ICT.

“Patients can join the network called NHS Wi-Fi from their chosen mobile device and upon accepting the terms and conditions, they’ll be able to browse the internet.”

The roll-out is part of NHS Digital’s Wi-Fi Programme which aims to ensure the entire NHS estate has access to free internet.

In 2015, health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, announced that free Wi-Fi would be available across all NHS buildings in England as part of the government’s commitment to a paperless health service by 2020.

He said: “Everyone using the NHS expects it to be a world leader in digital healthcare and free Wi-Fi is an essential part of making that a reality.”