The NHS Trust Development Authority (NHS TDA) has announced a major investment in IT facilities at hospitals in Hemel Hempstead, St Albans and Watford.
A raft of changes will be introduced, with computers and other IT equipment replaced and the introduction of a more-reliable IT support service including a new 24/7 helpdesk for nurses, doctors and other staff.
The hospitals will also have faster networks, improved telephone systems, and increased IT security. In addition, staff will get access to the latest technology including mobile devices such as tablets and WiFi, while patients will get free internet access.
Samantha Jones, chief executive of West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “This is great news for our hospitals, our patients and our staff. Our current IT systems are very old and are becoming more and more difficult for staff to use. They can be slow and it’s hard for us to connect them to the latest software.
“Our plans will radically overhaul the way we use IT, with staff having access to the latest technology, including mobile devices such as tablets. We will also increase our use of WiFi, including giving free access to patients.
“The benefits of the plan are wide reaching, including speeding up the time in which we are able to see and treat patients. It will also make sure our systems are as secure as they possibly can be.
“Receiving approval from the NHS TDA is great news and means we can move forward with providing this enhanced service. We hope to be able to announce further details soon.”
- Companies:
- Watford General Hospital
- West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust
- NHS Trust Development Authority
- Hemel Hempstead Hospital
- St Albans City Hospital
