A new contract for GP IT support services across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will start this Thursday (July 1) – and benefit patients.
The contract has been awarded to Healthcare Computing Ltd, which the company will deliver in partnership with Arden and Gem Commissioning Support Unit (AGCSU) and DataSwift.
They will deliver IT service desk functions, hardware and software management, registration authority, cyber security, training and information governance services for every GP practice. As part of the new contract, the service desk operating hours are being increased to reflect the additional services that the practices are providing and the development of primary care networks.
Claire Parker, Head of Digital for NHS Hampshire, Southampton and Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We would like to congratulate Healthcare Computing and Arden and Gem CSU on winning the tender and for all the hard work to get the service ready to go live."We are confident this will provide a great level of service and support in general practice in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We're also keen to recognise and thank South Central and West Commissioning Support Unit for the GPIT service it has previously provided for a number of years.”Dr Kevin Vernon, a Portsmouth GP and a clinical leads for the new contract, said: “We are absolutely committed to ensuring GPs have access to high-quality technology systems and services. Technology is a key enabler of quality, safety and efficiency.”
His colleague Dr Sunil Rathod, a GP at Basingstoke, said: “We would like to welcome Healthcare Computing and their partner Ardens and Gems CSU.
"We all know Healthcare Computing who have been delivering the IT infrastructure for primary care in the Hampshire, Portsmouth, IOW and Southampton area but with their partner, they will deliver a proactive and needs-based training and resources to ensure GP practices are digitally-enabled to encompass best practice. This is obviously in turn also good news for all our patients.”