BDS Solutions, Cullompton-based NHS IT solutions provider, has enhanced its team with the recruitment of Tom Taylor, who has joined the firm having previously worked on cyber security for NATO, and Liam Wakefield, who previously looked after clinical systems for Devon Doctors.
Cyber security expertise
Tom Taylor brings with him a wealth of experience from technology-firm Leonardo, an international firm specialising in aerospace, defence and security. As the Cyber Security Infrastructure Engineer for customer NATO, Tom leverages his broad IT experience and methodical approach to apply to his new BDS Solutions’ role.
“I understand the cyber landscape and how to mitigate risk, offering a different perspective to the NHS. Many organisations ignore key security settings because they do not appreciate their importance. It is scary what can be done by hackers and I have witnessed some impressive methods used to break into systems. Using this knowledge, I can help the NHS to protect systems,” explained Tom.
As one of BDS Solutions’ Principle Technical Consultants, Tom’s expertise will be utilised to provide expert insight to enhance solutions, working closely with NHS customers to ensure all patches and software is up-to-date.
Tom believes the NHS needs to focus on creating a robust actionable plan to counter cyber-attacks and resourcing it with a realistic budget to prioritise and deliver. “Cyber security needs clear support and direction from the top of the organisation. The NHS has conducted some knee jerk reactions to cyber-attacks, which have resulted in wider trust-wide implications.
“Should a cyber-attack occur, the IT team needs to know as a priority, so they can assess and take appropriate action. Due to the pressure on NHS budgets, some measures taken have been counter-productive,” added Tom.
Modern healthcare insights
Liam Wakefield joins BDS Solutions as Senior Technical Consultant. In his previous role, Liam was in charge of clinical systems at Devon Doctors, an out of hours GP support service, where he oversaw the organisations’ network and application delivery throughout Devon and Cornwall.
“I looked after clinical systems for doctors and dentistry across several sites, as well as helping to develop new tools. The insight gained about the healthcare sector at Devon Doctors is applicable across the NHS, with many facing the realisation that their systems need updating.”
In his new role at BDS Solutions, Liam pulls on his specialist healthcare insights, as well as his Microsoft training and expertise, to ensure successful implementation of solutions. Understanding the pressure on the healthcare sector to streamline operations and merge IT systems, Liam appreciates the impact it can have on patients, clinicians and staff.
“IT in the NHS is segregated. Trusts work independently to each other, across many parts of the UK. Yet, in some regions, groups of NHS trusts and organisations are collaborating, creating unity, so they essentially act as a single entity. Costs and resources are shared, which is clearly the way forward for the NHS to modernise and save money,” added Liam.
Expertise at BDS Solutions
Liam is looking forward to engaging in a broad range of technologies at BDS Solutions, getting involved in a variety of projects: “Any week is different at BDS, I am involved in small projects to large IT implementations, which offer diverse challenges.”
Tom moved to BDS Solutions as he wanted to work closer to home and is already appreciating the changes in working for a smaller, independent firm: “I think in work you get out, what you put in. Putting your heart and soul into your work is rewarding in a smaller firm; it is a family and you get recognition for trying hard.”
“Tom and Liam are welcomed additions to the BDS Solutions team. Their insights in cyber security and wider healthcare systems provide us and our NHS customers with valuable expertise,” said Derrick Foan, Managing Director.
“NHS IT teams have many challenges in trying to achieve a collaborative, streamlined, and secure environment. We aim to support these goals with solutions that ensure robust IT infrastructure, something that both Tom and Liam will help to expertly deliver.”
Get in touch with us to find out more about how BDS Solutions could support your organisation.