INDUSTRY WATCH
WE ALL NEED TO WORK
TOGETHER TO PROTECT
THE VITAL SERVICES ON
WHICH PATIENTS AND NHS
STAFF RELY.
As health services across the world
battle the global pandemic that is
the Coronavirus, otherwise known
as COVID-19, people are being forced
to find more innovative ways to keep in
touch. Technology vendors are stepping up
to the plate and providing the services to
enable people to stay connected to their
loved ones, as well as ensuring people can
avoid cyberattacks which are so rife during
the current circumstances.
NHSX is working with technology firms
to help some of society’s most atrisk
and isolated people access vital
emotional support and companionship
during COVID-19.
As part of this work, Facebook will
provide up to 2,050 of its Portal video
calling devices for free to hospitals, care
homes and other settings including
hospices, in-patient learning disability
and autism units.
A total of 50 of the devices have already
been deployed to pilot sites in Surrey,
with Manchester, Newcastle and London
and other areas to follow, with support
from Accenture.
NHSX Digital Transformation Director,
Iain O’Neil, said: “Technology companies
big and small continue to pledge their
resources and expertise to support our
NHS and social care system in these
unprecedented times.
“We are working hard to find and develop
services that meet people’s equally
unprecedented needs. Technology has
never been so important to providing
one of life’s most essential things – the
ability to communicate with the people
we love regardless of where they are. As
well as providing solutions to reducing
social isolation among residents and
patients, NHSX is working with a range
of technology companies to support
the NHS and social care system in these
unprecedented times.
“Additional solutions include enabling
health and care staff to work remotely
when they may be advised to work
at home, improving communication
between clinical and care teams,
shifting hospital outpatients to virtual
appointments and accelerating the use
of online and video consultations within
GP and primary care services.”
Minister for Care, Helen Whately,
said: “Social distancing is tough on us
all and we must remember how
beneficial interaction with loved ones
is for our well-being.
“I’m delighted that NHSX is partnering
with Facebook to make it easier for
those in care homes to keep in touch
with friends and family, alongside the
ongoing hard work by NHSX to expand
communication capabilities across the
health and social care sector.”
Vic Rayner, Executive Director, National
Care Forum and Care Provider Alliance,
said: “We are thrilled to see solutions
being offered to Adult Social Care
providers that can support residents
in care homes to communicate with
their loved ones remotely during this
COVID-19 outbreak, and are very much
looking forward to hearing how these
Facebook Portal devices are used and
what impact they have during this
difficult time.
www.intelligentcio.com
INTELLIGENTCIO
75