Free Wi-Fi For Derriford Hospital Patients

To help patients stay connected with life outside, Derriford Hospital is now offering free wireless internet services for patients, visitors and guests.

Wireless internet access ('Wi-Fi') has previously been available from WiFi SPARK at a cost for patients, visitors and staff but this is now free to anyone with a compatible mobile device. The wireless service will allow users to send and receive emails and surf the internet on their own wireless-enabled laptops or devices in permitted areas of the hospital; including patient rooms, the main lobby and the restaurant.

Andy Blofield, Director of Plymouth ICT Shared Services said: “For patients there is a great benefit to staying connected with friends and family and the world outside during what can be an anxious time in hospital.

“Staff have told us that free wifi would make a real difference and we felt it was important to listen to this request and deliver modern facilities in a modern hospital.”

Derriford Hospital believes there are fewer than 20 hospitals in the country that currently provide free Wi-Fi and are pleased to be among the first to offer this in the South West.

Getting started

To connect to WiFi SPARK for the first time, simply search for available Wi-Fi networks on your device, select ‘wifispark’ and click 'connect' to automatically connect your browser to the registration page. Once registered, your device should automatically connect to the Wi-Fi network where available within the hospital. Signal strength may be weaker in certain parts of the hospital and during peak usage periods.