IT news: News round-up

Firm improves data protection

Private provider, Aspen Healthcare, has commissioned a disc-based data protection solution from EVault. Replacing its tape-based back-up solution with Plug-n-Protect appliances, the organisation hopes to achieve faster, more-frequent back-ups for vital patient data. David Williams, IT director at Aspen, said: "Backing up to tape has always been reliable, but was also a worry. The process is slow and, with multiple tapes and multiple servers, logistically complex. We were backing up at least once a day, but needed to move to multiple backups. In addition, like all organisations we are always improving to mitigate against a disaster. We now capture our critical data in three-hour windows or snapshots. EVault could capture backups once an hour if necessary, but three hours is sensible given our bandwidth."

Eye specialist deploys EPR system

Eye specialist, SpaMedica, has deployed a new electronic patient administration and records system. The company, which has a hospital in Manchester, is embarking on a roll-out of satellite clinical facilities in the North West region and, in a bid to improve administration, has introduced the new Choose and Book-compliant IMS MAXIMS solution. Consultant eye surgeon, Anil Pitalia, said: “I want the whole patient experience to be of the highest standard. For that to happen I needed an established, but innovative, electronic patient system that would meet all our clinical and administrative requirements. I believe MAXIMS can deliver this and revolutionise our service.” Procured under a software-as-a-service contract, the company rents the solution, so has not had to make any major initial investment.

Pathology system goes live

A Clinical information system for requesting and reporting of laboratory and radiology services has gone live at The Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust. System C's Medway solution will be used by more than 4,000 members of staff, helping to improve ordering and results reporting of pathology tests. Wendy Ware, director of IM&T at the trust, said 86% of staff were now using the system, adding: "As well as speeding up internal processes, we are looking at this solution to help improve financial efficiency and quality of care."

Mental health trust goes it alone

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust has gone live with Ascribe's case management clinical IT system, JCC. The trust chose the mental health and community care solution over that offered by the NHS National Programme for IT and it has been integrated into the existing pharmacy solution, enabling clinicians to share and review medicines records. Ben Lucas, consultant psychiatrist at the trust, said: "We chose the system due to its ability to act as a single integrated mental health clinical solution in what is a complex environment. It provides us with all the information we need at point of care and helps us to improve patient safety."

Boost for emergency care

iSOFT has been awarded a contract to deploy its EDIS solution in Stafford Hospital's emergency department. Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust hopes to improve performance, efficiency and care through the rollout of the software, which covers triage, patient tracking and clinical documentation, enabling clinical staff to monitor patients' treatment and exact status in real time. Director of IM&T at the trust, Martin Spotswood, said: "This will help us in our efforts to achieve compliance with the new Care Quality Indicators, which we see as a key indicator of our commitment to good patient care, and will also provide us with the necessary reporting tools to accurately measure these improvements. Being able to track and locate patients within the department at all times will be a major asset and lead to an improved patient experience."

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• Companies:
• iSOFT
• Ascribe
• IMS Maxims
• System C
• Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust
• Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

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