Newchurch Aims to Put PCTs in Frames

Newchurch Ltd , the UK provider of IT solutions and consultancy services for the healthcare sector, has launched a web-enabled management system for primary care organisations and primary care trusts (PCTs).

The new system, called Frames, is a managed intranet solution designed to equip primary care organisations and their staff with a comprehensive common information and communication infrastructure.

Newchurch says that Frames enables secure integrated sharing of information across PCTs, together with the tools to link with external organisations.

The Frames system is delivered across NHSnet as a secure managed intranet solution and integrates with existing information systems.

At the heart of the system is ‘Personal Manager’, a common web interface that provides all PCT staff members with access to a suite of eight of management and communications tools including Microsoft Outlook, a diary, meeting scheduling tools, e-mail, news, information and forums and a PCT-wide notice board.

The system also includes a library management module allowing users to update, manage and distribute documents across the organisation

Robert Powell, director of healthcare solutions at Newchurch, commented: "Frames has been specifically designed to help primary care organisations manage information flow and processes as they go through a period of dynamic change, while continuing to deliver quality services."

One of the first organisations to sign a contract to implement Frames is Harlow Primary Care Trust, which has worked with Newchurch on the development of the system.

Dawn Poon, corporate communications manager at Harlow PCT, said: "One of the major challenges for the trust is to ensure everyone is aware of what is happening within the organisation and it is therefore vital that we develop robust mechanisms for providing the necessary transport for delivering this information."

Having completed a trial period, Frames is now being implemented across Harlow PCT.