Trusts set to benefit from integrated cable network
- 16 March 2007
NHS trusts and ambulances are set to benefit from faster and better communications following the merger of the ntl and Telewest networks to create one UK-wide network.
The new network was launched as part of the cable firm’s ‘Bigger Than You Think’ campaign, which aimed to show the increased scale, scope and capability of the network since the merger in March 2006.
Ntl:Telewest Business, now owned by Virgin Media, claim they now provide telephony services to 70% of emergency services and 65% of the trusts whose systems are compatible with their network.
Ntl:Telewest Business’ director for public sector, Christopher Small, told E-Health Insider: “In the health sector, offering patients the highest standard of treatment is of the utmost importance. Using the fibre-optic based network, healthcare services can get faster bandwidth at a rate suitable for applications and at a speed necessary for the treatment of patients.”
According to the company, customers will now benefit from the integrated network providing both simple voice lines and the ability to share complex managed data network across many sites.
Most recently, ntl:Telewest has installed networks into two primary care trusts in close proximity to each other but on opposite sides of the River Mersey in North-west England.
Small says the benefits of one integrated network will be immediately noticeable to both staff and patients.
“Sometimes health services experience slow processes and they can slow things down and this can have economic impacts. The fundamental benefit of having one integrated network would be that clinicians would have access to data they need much quicker. It will help us enable faster treatment, more reliable services, faster access to speciality websites.
“Health professionals are rapidly realising the benefits to healthcare of utilising technology. 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 attention on looking after their patients.”
One centre utilising the new network is the Hounslow Primary Care Trust which opened its new 21st century health centre last month and uses IP Multimedia from the company to control technology in the practice.
Ntl:Telewest Business say that they have the largest Ethernet presence in the UK and are capable of carrying a variety of services and high bandwidth applications, such as multimedia packages, as well as voice and data traffic.
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