FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAY 15, 2006

Today, it is commonplace to expect to surf the web at local restaurants, coffee shops and even the public library. Mercy Medical Center patients and their families now also have access to this convenient technology during their hospitalization or visit.

Implemented on May 15, 2006, Mercy's wireless Internet network allows patients and visitors to use their own wireless laptop computers and other wireless devices to stay in touch with friends and family during hospitalization and treatments. The service is free to all hospital guests.

“There is a growing need to allow patients and visitors to remain in touch with one another during a sometimes inconvenient hospital stay,” said Paul Sliva, director, Technology and Standards. “In many ways, the wireless network will provide another level of comfort for those patients and is a perk to those patients anxious to share pictures and news of a new arrival.”

When in a designated wireless location, guests may access the service via a landing page on the Mercy wireless network. Their computers or hand-held device must be equipped with a wireless (i.e., wi-fi) card and they must be located within range of a wireless access point. Wireless service is available at key public locations throughout the main Mercy campus and Mercy Capitol – including the main entrances, cafeterias, Atrium Deli and waiting rooms.

Dennis Potter, Security Coordinator, emphasized that Mercy's public wireless network is separate from the Hospital's secure network to protect patient records and other sensitive information. In addition, the wireless network does not allow guests full Internet access and, as a result, certain websites may be restricted due to the inappropriate content.

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