A South Yorkshire company has completed a major piece of work at one of the world’s leading children’s hospitals.

Connect-IP, based at the Vector 31 Networkcentre in Wales Bar, between Rotherham and Sheffield, fulfilled a significant contract at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London.

The 12-month project, in conjunction with Cisco specialists Block Solutions, saw Connect-IP assist with a major upgrade to the hospital’s IT infrastructure.

GOSH’s IT system includes 5,000 users served by 65 communication rooms, across many departments such as Paediatric ICU, theatres and Pathology. With on-going developments in new technology and software to aid patient care, the hospital needed to modernise its fixed and wireless networks.

GOSH is internationally renowned for excellence in the provision of specialist children’s healthcare. It became the first UK hospital for children in 1852.

Connect-IP worked with the main network consultants Block Solutions, after both companies came together on a similar project for the Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. This project involved the upgrade of the communications rooms, linking all areas with fibre optic cables and installing a wireless network around the hospital.

Marc Chang, Block’s technical director, said: “As with any major project in a hospital environment, the work wasn’t without its challenges. However, Connect-IP helped overcome these with great success and enabled us to complete a significant portion of the work with Great Ormond Street Hospital.

“We have worked with Connect-IP on similar projects in the past and each time they have proven to be a very valuable partner.”

Bob Allen, director at Connect-IP, added: “To be working with one of the country’s best known hospitals was a massive coup for this region

“This was a major contract for the company and obviously we are very pleased with the positive feedback received. Through the combined expertise of Block and Connect-IP, the hospital’s advanced ICT systems now deliver a responsive, flexible and reliable service to the Trust.

“It has taken a year to complete and showcases our credentials in supporting IT redevelopment within the public sector.”