|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
| |
| <<Back |
NHS trust turns to web-wired phonesDate: 10/10/2007 10:13:51
|
NHS services are often targeted for revamps of patient care, but now a new initiative is looking to improve the service at a Midlands hospital through a new communications system.
The Heart of Birmingham Teaching primary care trust has wired up its wards to the benefits of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), a web-wired phone system, in an attempt to improve communications efficiency.
VoIP is not wholly new to the NHS, with the health service's free phone service, NHS Direct, allowing the calls of the thousands seeking medical advice to connect its 22 existing call centres to the web-run system.
Now the Birmingham hospital is looking to improve its patient services by moving its internal communications systems to the same system, a change which will enhance efficiency, Kam Ryatt, Heart of Birmingham's associate director of ICT, told Computer World.
"By converging our voice and data over the same single network we have delivered a simple, cost-effective and highly efficient way to manage our communications needs," he said.
The new BT-managed broadband service could turn out to be a blue-print for NHS trusts across the country, potentially freeing up more funding for key areas of patient care by saving on communications.
Talk to a qualified doctor now about any health matter call 0906 665 8002. Calls cost £1.50 per minute from a BT landline. 24 hrs 7 days a week. Callers must have bill payer's permission and be over 18. All calls are recorded but you do not have to give your name. All Doctors are GMC registered and either fully qualified GPs or post membership hospital specialists. Not for emergency use, diagnosis or prognosis. Not designed to replace a face to face consultation with a medical professional, and any callers taking such advice in isolation do so at their own risk. In the case of a medical emergency, dial 999. Calls last a maximum of 20 minutes.
 © Adfero Ltd
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
| |
| |
|
|
