Member News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 7, 2006

Lake Forest Hospital Offers Free High-Speed Internet Access

Fast, free broadband access to the Internet is now available to patients and visitors at Lake Forest Hospital. Personal laptop computers can easily be connected to the special yellow wall jacks in all patient rooms as well as surgery waiting areas – allowing patients to stay connected with family and friends during their hospitalization and visitors to “surf the Web” while at the hospital.

Patients and visitors access the Internet separately from Lake Forest Hospital’s main computer network to ensure privacy and security. All they need to do is bring a network-equipped (DHCP) laptop computer and a network (Ethernet) connecting cable to the hospital. An informational pamphlet available at the Visitor’s Desk provides detailed instructions for making the connection.

“We are very excited to be able to offer this service to our guests,” says Karen Strathman, vice president of patient care. “Our research shows that a majority of the population in our service area has Internet access. We also know that many of these people use the Internet to access information about health and wellness, something that may increase during a hospital stay.”

Strathman says there is a national trend to add networks at hospitals for patient and visitor use.

“The network meets a growing need for patients and families to access the Internet for communication, work and entertainment. People are used to having Internet access at home and when they travel. It should be no different during their hospital stay.”

While a network cable is required to connect to the Internet for now, plans are being made to have a limited number of “hot spots” available for wireless use at Lake Forest Hospital in the near future.

LFH has been named the #1 Consumer Choice hospital in Lake and Kenosha counties for 2005-2006 by the independent firm National Research Corporation. LFH earned the honor for having the best doctors, best nurses, best image & reputation and best overall quality.