Networks First, an independent provider of support services for network infrastructures, and its healthcare partner Bates IT, are assuming management and support of McKesson UK’s networking division.
McKesson UK, part of the US healthcare services giant, works with over 350 NHS trusts on a range of services including patient administration systems, point-of-care clinical services, human resources and business and financial services.
The company say that the decision to move its network services to Networks First and Bates IT is part of a wider business strategy that will see them focus on future opportunities based around expanding and delivering this range of software delivery services across the NHS.
McKesson UK’s managing director, Charmaine McDonald said: “Networks First and Bates IT have been specifically chosen to ensure that our customers receive the best networking services available. From an everyday perspective, the delivery of the network services will be unaffected. Customers will continue to be served by their existing contacts, and the terms and conditions of networking contracts will be unchanged after the transfer.”
Networks First say they already maintain the networks for McKesson’s NHS customers and with Bates IT will be able to deliver full network support to all of their customers. Networks First’s experience and expertise on a broad range of network infrastructure issues such as IP telephony, convergence and security will also be made available.
Networks First’s managing director, Peter Titmus told E-Health Insider: “We are committed to providing a service that helps our partners and customers achieve excellence. McKesson, Networks First and Bates IT are working together to ensure that this change is carried out efficiently and that any concerns that the customers may have are addressed. With this in mind, we are working closely to discuss and agree the details of the transition arrangements with every customer.
“We have been looking after some of McKesson’s network infrastructure for a while now, and so it made sense to them for us to take over this work. We hope to try and grow as a business with our new customers, working closely with them and moving forward with the technology. Transitions are under way and we expect to complete the whole process within three months.”
The deal came into effect, for an undisclosed fee, on 1 January and McKesson UK’s networking staff, products and services have been transferred to Networks First and Bates IT.