Although it may sound like a description of a futuristic science fiction, these are no longer experiments or concepts: this is healthcare in action, powered by Europe’s first private 5G network deployed in a fully functioning hospital – and it is happening in Oulu, Finland.
But this breakthrough didn’t happen overnight. It is the result of a long-term collaboration of different partners from different sectors coming together and working consistently for years on developing innovation in healthcare. This includes the Hola 5G Oulu project, a collaboration between Oulu University Hospital (OYS), the Northern Ostrobothnia Wellbeing County (Pohde), the University of Oulu, Boldyn Networks, and WICOAR Technologies. Funded by the European Union, the project is building a digital infrastructure designed specifically for the challenges of hospital work.
Hospitals demand speed, precision, and seamless communication, and the private 5G Standalone network powering OYS delivers exactly that. It provides secure, wireless, and instant access to patient data, allowing clinicians to collaborate effortlessly across wards and departments. For frontline staff, this means less time wrestling with systems and more time focused on patient care.
The technology enabled by this network is impressive. Smart glasses allow hands-free access to critical information during procedures. Remote monitoring tools keep continuous tabs on patients without restricting movement. AI diagnostics analyze data in real time, supporting quicker and more informed decision-making. At OYS, these are not futuristic promises, but active tools enhancing daily care.
On May 21st, the Hola 5G Oulu project took center stage at the Hola 5G Oulu – Smart Wireless Hospital event. Held at the Oulu City Hall, the gathering brought together healthcare professionals, engineers, researchers, and public leaders to see these innovations in action and discuss their impact.
Live demonstrations gave a close-up look at HealthAudio and HealthVision, two applications that use the 5G network to deliver real-time audio and visual patient data directly into the clinical decision-making process. The afternoon also featured expert talks, offering a clear look at how the future of hospital work is already taking shape in Oulu.
Jani Katisko, medical physicist and docent at OYS and the University of Oulu, opened the day by outlining the project’s goals: to deliver meaningful improvements for frontline staff and build digital tools that work seamlessly within clinical routines.
Rauno Jokelainen, co-founder of WICOAR Technologies, showcased wearable solutions that help staff gather and act on patient data more efficiently. Petri Parviainen from Boldyn Networks gave insight into how 5G networks are engineered for hospital use, emphasizing reliability, data security, and performance in demanding conditions. And Timo Alalääkkölä, Head of Testing and Innovation Activities at OYS, spoke about how the 5G network is driving public-private innovation and strengthening Oulu’s leadership in digital healthcare.
Oulu is a natural home for this kind of innovation. With decades of experience in wireless technology development, a deep pool of engineering and research talent, and a culture of public-private collaboration, the city offers the ideal conditions for testing and scaling next-generation healthcare solutions. Oulu has long been known as a tech pioneer, and now, it applies that expertise to healthcare in ways that are set to elevate the global standard.
The Hola 5G project is a vital piece of OYS2030, the long-term transformation aiming to make Oulu University Hospital the world’s smartest hospital. It is a future built on modern infrastructure, integrated digital tools, and a commitment to usability in real clinical settings. In Oulu, those solutions are no longer theoretical: they are here, reshaping how care is delivered every single day.
Text: Beatriz Rocha, Health & Life Science, BusinessOulu
Image: BusinessOulu
