Summary
Building type: National Community Nursing Units (CNU)
Locations: Athlone Co. Westmeath, Ardee Co. Louth, Clonmel Co. Tipperary,
Killarney Co. Kerry, Midleton Co. Cork, St. Finbarr’s Cork City, Thomastown Co. Kilkenny
Challenge: Insufficient indoor cellular coverage for voice and data
Product installed: The Titan iR6
The Background
The Health Service Executive (HSE) launched a nationwide initiative to develop and upgrade Community Nursing Units (CNUs) across Ireland. The objective of the project was to develop new CNUs on existing HSE Grounds, providing 530 beds and creating a comfortable home-like environment rather than a traditional hospital setting.
The Challenge
Modern building materials such as triple-glazed windows, steel structures, and reinforced concrete offer excellent insulation and weatherproofing. However, these materials completely block mobile signal from entering the building. As a result, residents frequently experience dropped and missed phone calls.
The objective
Creating a comfortable, home-like environment was a top priority for the project management team. Reliable indoor mobile coverage plays a vital role in supporting residents’ comfort and well-being. Strong indoor signal enables residents to stay connected with family and friends at all times.
To ensure seamless connectivity from day one, the management teams required a robust mobile signal solution to be installed before the nursing units opened. The HSE issued a tender to identify the most suitable in-building cellular connectivity solution.
Novatel was awarded the contract for all seven Community Nursing Units, based on the company’s extensive experience in professional repeater and distributed antenna system installations, along with its ability to deliver a reliable and cost-effective solution.
The Solution
The Novatel team demonstrated excellent project management skills and professionalism at every stage of the installation process. To ensure timely delivery across all seven Community Nursing Units (CNUs), Novatel worked closely with SISK as well as a network of trusted electrical contractors, including Kiernan Electrical, CB Electrical, E Clarke, Pure Electrical, Burke Electrical, and Pure Electrical.
Novatel provided a turnkey solution, covering system design, equipment supply, installation, and all associated structured cabling works.
As a first step, Novatel’s engineers conducted on-site surveys to assess the indoor RF environment. Based on these findings, they designed tailored signal solutions for each of the seven CNUs using StellaPlanner, taking into account building layouts, proximity to nearby base stations, and overall building size.
Comprehensive reports were then presented to the project management team, recommending the Titan iR6 Repeater System as the optimal solution for each installation.
The iR6-T system amplifies the mobile signal for all operators across all services – 5G,4G,3G,2G. Additionally, the iR6-T can be remotely monitored by both Novatel’s engineers and the Stella team, enabling timely diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Directional Yagi antennas were installed on the rooftop for capturing the strongest possible signal from nearby cell towers.The amplified mobile signal was then distributed around the building via internal omni antennas to ensure strong mobile signal throughout the premises.
The Result
Working in close coordination with John Sisk & Son, Novatel delivered the cellular repeater systems across all seven Community Nursing Units in line with the construction programme and pre-opening schedules.
Following the installation and commissioning of the Stella Doradus Titan iR6 repeater systems, each facility achieved strong, reliable indoor mobile coverage for both voice and data services. Residents, staff, and visitors now benefit from clear, uninterrupted calls and dependable mobile connectivity throughout the buildings.
The HSE management team commended Novatel’s professionalism, project coordination, and ability to deliver a critical communications infrastructure solution on time and to specification across all seven sites.