Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust

Voice and data

Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust

Overview

As part of a major infrastructure upgrade, Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT) commissioned Installation Technology to deliver a comprehensive data and communications solution to support two newly constructed Cancer Wards. The project involved installing a robust connectivity infrastructure throughout the North and South wings, facilitating seamless digital operations in one of the hospital’s most critical clinical environments.

Project Summary

Our work included the structured cabling and analogue connectivity essential to patient care and emergency response systems. Central to the project was a newly built comms room constructed to GSTT specification, which housed three Ortronics frames for servers and switching equipment. From this hub, we installed communications links across several floors and implemented analogue connectivity to support ‘red phones’ used for ambulance emergencies ensuring 24/7 operational resilience.

Approach and Technical Delivery

The project’s success hinged on our ability to combine deep technical expertise with flexibility and attention to detail. Our installation team, comprising highly trained and accredited engineers, delivered more than 5km of structured cabling across several floors, connecting over 540 data outlets. We installed a fibre backbone from the comms room to both the core Data Centre and distribution nodes, using single-mode internal-grade fibre tested to ISO IEC11801 standards.

In addition to the fibre network, we implemented 100-pairs of analogue connections, routed through the hospital’s infrastructure from the newly constructed comms room to the main telecoms exchange. This link was housed in a secure tube containment system to protect integrity and minimise disruption.

We were responsive to site conditions throughout. When scheduled containment installations were delayed by the electrical contractor, we reorganised our programme to stack and relocate bundled cables, factoring in the additional time and labour required without compromising deadlines or quality.

Our use of the existing Containment Management System infrastructure where possible reflected both sustainability and cost-efficiency. Fire stopping and compliance procedures were meticulously followed for both fibre and analogue links, ensuring the installation met all safety and regulatory requirements. FIRAS accredited, Installation Technology engineers complete and certify all passive fire stopping 'in-house'.

Solution Delivery

The installation was delivered in five clearly defined phases:


• Phase 1 (First Fix): Cables were run and left ready for termination, including setup within the comms room. Each wing had a 14-day completion window.
• Phase 2: Outlet termination and labelling across all locations.
• Phase 3: Testing and commissioning, using a LanTEK 3 tester to validate permanent links against ISO standards—checking cable integrity, attenuation, return loss, and wire mapping.
• Phase 4: Snagging and minor issue resolution.
• Phase 5: Compilation and submission of final documentation and project handover packs.

Conclusion

This project demonstrated not only our technical capabilities but also our ability to deliver in highly regulated, live clinical environments. From advanced fibre deployment and analogue integration to meticulous planning and adaptive on-site decision-making, our team ensured that the new cancer wards at GSTT Hospital were equipped with the resilient, high-performance infrastructure needed to support outstanding patient care.

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The project was completed on time and in full compliance with hospital and industry specifications. Our team’s ability to work safely and efficiently in complex, busy environments and within sterile clinical zones such as operating theatres, was a key factor in this success. We adhered to strict hygiene protocols, coordinated around sensitive services like medical gas and air supply, and worked within defined cleaning regimes.

We’ve maintained an on-site presence at the hospital since 2013, our site knowledge was pivotal to the success of the project. All work was performed to internationally recognised cabling standards and specific NHS trust requirements, under the governance of a Construction Phase Plan which included health and safety auditing at key stages.

Stakeholder engagement was central throughout the programme. We held weekly review meetings with the hospital’s Head of Infrastructure, conducted face-to-face sessions with ICT managers, and delivered monthly updates to senior leadership including directors and assistant directors. This governance structure enabled clear communication, early identification of issues, and a genuinely collaborative working relationship.

540

Data Outlets

100

Analogues Pairs

5

Kms of Cat6A Cable

540

Data Outlets

100

Analogues Pairs

5

Kms of Cat6A Cable