SPIE strengthens communication security at Städtische Kliniken Mönchengladbach, Germany

Mönchengladbach, 30 March 2026 – SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, is implementing a new IP-based communications platform with integrated DECT telephony (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) for the City of Mönchengladbach’s hospital group (Städtische Kliniken Mönchengladbach). The new solution will gradually replace the existing telephone system and ensure stable, digital and highly available communication across municipal hospital operations in Mönchengladbach.

Hospitals are classified as critical infrastructure (KRITIS*) because they must ensure medical care for the population even in crisis and exceptional situations. Consequently, the requirements for operational reliability, redundancy and IT security are particularly high – especially for internal and external communication as a central control function in day-to-day hospital operations.
As early as November 2025, some of the approximately 950 DECT devices were commissioned in close coordination with Städtische Kliniken Mönchengladbach. Until the overall acceptance in March 2026, SPIE will gradually bring additional components into operation and support the full transition to the new platform.

SPIE is responsible for the complete technical system migration, from implementing the OpenScape Voice platform and connecting the DECT infrastructure to further developing the security concept for potential IT outages. To ensure uninterrupted communication during ongoing hospital operations, the new platform was installed in parallel with the existing telephone system and interconnected with it. Training sessions prepared hospital staff specifically for the new technology. In addition, SPIE worked with Städtische Kliniken Mönchengladbach and the project partners to develop an emergency gateway that automatically switches to DECT communication in the event of IT disruptions, ensuring communication remains available at all times.

“As a KRITIS facility, Städtische Kliniken require a communications solution that remains stable even under exceptional conditions. Our long-standing collaboration has given us a deep understanding of operational processes. This enabled us to plan the migration with great precision and secure critical project phases with an expanded team on site,” explains André Kausen, Branch Manager at SPIE Germany Switzerland Austria.

Marcus Hänsel, General Manager of the Information & Communication Services operational division at SPIE Germany Switzerland Austria, emphasises: “A high-performance communications infrastructure is a key element for patient safety and efficient processes in hospitals. With the new IP platform, we are delivering a resilient and future-proof solution that meets digital requirements while ensuring the highest level of availability.”

^{* KRITIS: critical infrastructure in Germany (Kritische Infrastrukturen), essential to the functioning of society and the economy.}