A collaborative NHS IT infrastructure model is set to expand, taking its user numbers to more than 100,000.
The shared infrastructure service was established in 2002 to support a cluster of entities in the North West of England, including hospitals, mental health and primary care organisations. The Trusts involved wanted their IT systems to work collaboratively, enabling shared access to information and cost effective IT programmes.
The system put in place by BDS Solutions means that all of the member organisations operate a single multi-tenanted instance of Active Directory, spanning organisational and geographical boundaries.
Since its inception, more NHS Trusts have joined the model, enabling health and care professionals to work collaboratively and effectively across Trusts. Each IT team receives around the clock operational support from the BDS service desk to ensure that vital computer systems run smoothly and efficiently and providing clinicians with access to information any time of day or night.
The latest organisation to join the consortium is Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. This approach for IT infrastructure has allowed the new Trust to share in this dynamic model and promote best practice both within and across neighbouring organisations, as well as saving significant administrative time and costs.
The model has adapted with the needs and requirements of each member organisation, offering flexibility and reliability that allows all members and their staff to benefit from the shared infrastructure in a way that suits their organisation. The system has proved cost effective for all involved, and has helped in meeting NHS targets, as well as improving healthcare results.
James Hogan from NHS Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “Joining the shared services has enabled our Trust to work more efficiently. It has allowed us to connect to a wide range of health and care professionals so that we can deliver integrated and personalised health and care. The model also allows us to securely transfer information between organisations where appropriate, helping staff to make better clinical and care decisions, whenever and wherever they need to. The 24-hour support also provides reassurance that our systems, which are integral to the delivery of healthcare, are working efficiently at all times.”
Lee Ballinger from BDS Solutions said: “It’s a great testament to this unique model that it has continued to grow year on year, with more organisations wanting to be a part of it. The NHS Trusts and organisations involved are keen to collaborate with their neighbours to improve care quality and streamline workflows. We are really pleased to support all of the organisations involved to ultimately help provide better patient care.”
To find out more about the connected community infrastructure services, click here.