THE IT team at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT), in collaboration with its mobile connectivity partner Freshwave, has been awarded third place in the prestigious 2025 Global Telecoms Awards.

The awards aim to recognise excellence in innovation and leadership within the telecommunications industry and to highlight technological advancements and leadership in driving forward connectivity solutions. 

Jeff Wood, deputy director of IT at PAHT, said: “We are proud to have been recognised for our connectivity project with our partner, Freshwave.

“Freshwave designed and deployed a 4G network system that is connected to four UK mobile network operators across 15 separate buildings at the main hospital site and at one of our off-site working locations. This means that we have enhanced mobile connectivity and a backup solution if the Wi-Fi connection is disrupted for any reason.

“Reliable and seamless mobile connectivity is essential to ensure operational resilience and delivery and to ensure that our people, patients, and visitors can continue to use their mobile devices at all times.”

Phil Holland, chief information officer at PAHT, said: “We are thrilled to receive this honour alongside Freshwave. The 4G network installation is a testament to the commitment of our hard-working IT team, who continue to innovate and expand telecommunications solutions across our hospital.”

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust was established in April 1995 and provides services at The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, the Herts and Essex Hospital in Bishop’s Stortford, and St Margaret’s Hospital in Epping. We have an annual income of around £330 million. We have 414 general and acute beds at The Princess Alexandra Hospital and provide a full range of general acute services, including a 24/7 emergency department, an intensive care unit, a maternity unit and a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We also provide outpatient and diagnostic