What does the switchover mean for TVs in hospitals?
In many instances Health Trusts have contracted out the provision of bedside TV’s (and phone services) to independent companies such as Patientline. These organisations will need to ensure that TV services for patients are provided after switchover in conjunction with the property managers for the hospitals in which they are operating.
Hospitals which have older systems i.e. services are provided through a communal TV aerial, will have to take some action to continue to offer a full range of TV services through the switchover. The easiest way of adapting an existing analogue system to receive digital is to provide each television with a digital box. Provided the aerial is in good condition, and the system of cables distributing signals to the rooms is adequate, the existing system should be sufficient.
This may be a suitable arrangement for fixed TVs in waiting areas, staff rest rooms etc. but the digital box may have to be secured to TV sets that are not in a fixed location. In addition two remote controls may be required, one for the TV and one for the digital box.
