Hounslow PCT has installed a new ntl:Telewest Business’ IP multimedia network in their new primary care centre to support more efficient working and better collaboration between staff.

The new primary care centre, due to open in February 2007, will open with a new Internet Protocol (IP) network supporting the delivering of integrated voice, data and multimedia content

The new network will provide staff working in the health centre with new facilities including: visual options, instant messaging, the ability to collaborate and presence indicators.

The new facilities will help support flexible working for staff, both on-site and off-site, helping to ensure they have real-time access to up-to-date patient information.

Hounslow PCT’s IT manager, Graeme Hollocks, said: "NTL:Telewest Business has changed the way in which our staff work, improving their efficiency and facilitating better-informed, improved patient care."

NTL: Telewest’s director of public sector, Christopher Small, said: “In light of the Connect for Health (CfH) programme, health professionals are rapidly realising the benefits to healthcare of utilising technology.

Small added: “Providing staff with the latest applications, which facilitate collaborative working, real-time information access and increased communication capabilities, means they can do their job to the best of their ability. Staff can now have a wealth of resources at their fingertips and focus their attentions on looking after their patients.”