Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust has collaborated with Vodafone to implement a mobile solution for its staff.
The 400 community nursing staff in the county will be able to visit more patients using Vodafone’s enterprise mobility platform, which integrates with the Trust’s patient record system RiO.
The teams will be able to remotely access and update patient records, as well as review policies and important data. Staff will be able to make more informed decisions in real time and talk to patients using visual aids on mobile devices.
The service will significantly reduce costs by reducing the need to return to base and allowing more time to be spent on care.
Vodafone has partnered with TotalMobile to deliver the new system, which is funded by a grant from the Nursing Technology Fund. Launched in 2012, the fund aims to help medical professionals to use digital technology to improve care.
Recent months have seen a spate of public sector partnerships with telecoms providers. BT recently delivered an enterprise mobility solution to Humberside NHS Trust, while Vodafone itself partnered with the London Metropolitan Police.
"While increasing efficiency is important, allowing our nurses to give the best possible patient care is our focus," said Graham Softley, Associate IT Director for Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust.
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He added: "Vodafone’s software solution has enabled us to provide a reliable, secure system to support our community staff. Regardless of their technical ability or knowledge, they are now able to access key information whilst visiting patients in the community or their own homes."
Carolyn Morrice, Chief Nurse and Director of Patient Care Standards for Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, commented: "As well as allowing us to create a more sustainable, paper-free system, this technology is supporting a closer working relationship between our teams in the community and those working at our hospitals," said."We strive to provide safe and compassionate care, every time for our patients and we believe that this investment will help us to achieve that goal."
Paul Morton, Head of Health at Vodafone UK said, "Offering patients the flexibility and convenience of being treated from home is an essential part of quality care today. But as patient numbers grow, NHS Trusts are also under pressure to be more efficient. Technology and communications are important assets in making sure health workers can provide the highest level of care in the field."
Morton continued: "Our system provides nurses with access to the information they need, when they need it while also driving efficiencies through reduced ‘back to base’ trips. The result is a system that empowers Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust’s community
