Northern Ireland’s Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has awarded a contract worth up to €78.5m to Hewlett-Packard to update the technology behind the country’s hospital patient administration systems.
The framework contract includes procuring ICT equipment and services for regional projects across Northern Ireland over the next four years and providing a range of technical and advisory services as well as hardware and software to health organisations.
Northern Ireland’s Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said the deal would help the health service to speed up processes to ensure that patients get the right care and treatment.
McGimpsey said: “Like any modern organisation, health and social care relies on information technology in order to provide an efficient and effective business.
“Information technology is used to support a number of front-line services such as theatre management, cancer screening and ambulance booking. These are vital services and as such must run smoothly to ensure people get the right care and treatment.”
The actual value of the contract will depend on how many projects are procured using the framework but it is believed to be worth €11m-€77.5m.
Martin Murphy, managing director of HP in Ireland, said: “The exciting thing about this project is that HP will play a vital role in making a contribution through technology to the delivery of quality health care in Northern Ireland.
“Under this framework, HP will provide professional services, products and partner point solutions to Health and Social Care regional projects in Northern Ireland, enabling them to better adapt to today’s demands and meet future challenges.”
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