Is there a way to get online when we're in a Mayo hospital bed?

Posted by usernameca @usernameca, Oct 25, 2018

I spent 15 days in Methodist Hospital, and I don't recall ever being able to get my cell phone online. In the meantime, there was an entire computer system for the nurses and doctors, right beside my bed that I assume I was not allowed to use, so I never even tried. Does Mayo block internet access in Methodist Hospital for security reasons? That was my only complaint about my hospital stay. Everything else was great. Including the food!! The food did not seem to be the same as what is served in the regular cafeteria. Although that food is good, the food I got in my room at Mayo was even better.

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Ethan McConkey, Moderator | @ethanmcconkey | Oct 26, 2018

@usernameca not sure why you couldn't connect your phone to the wifi. Mayo Clinic offers free high-speed wireless internet access to Mayo Clinic patients and their guests. This service is available on the Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Mary's Campus and the downtown campus (Mayo, Gonda and Charlton buildings and Mayo Clinic Hospital, Methodist Campus).

While on campus, you can connect to the network titled “mayoguest”. We even offer computer access at specified locations for people who don't have a device with them. See detailed information here https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/becoming-a-patient/computer-access)

During your stay at Methodist, did you see “mayoguest” in your WiFi network options on your phone? Or did you try to connect to “mayoguest” and it wasn’t letting you?

usernameca | @usernameca | Dec 18, 2018

In reply to @ethanmcconkey "@usernameca not sure why you couldn't connect your phone to the wifi. Mayo Clinic offers free..." + (show)

I don't remember exactly. I just assumed that hospital walls are so thick that cell phone service can't get through them. I don't think I looked for WiFi network options. I just would dial my phone, but I couldn't call out or receive calls. I didn't know about this "connect" feature on the MayoClinic website, and I just assumed at the time that all patients were having this problem. Would there be a way to put up a small sign in each patient's room, telling them the steps they need to use to get online on their cell phone and online on their computer? Patients won't be able to access the instructions on how to get hospital internet access on their computer, because they won't have been able to log on to see them. Thanks.