Government Confirms Extra £75m To Upgrade Hospice IT Systems
The government has confirmed that £25 million has been released to upgrade hospice IT systems and modernise facilities, with a further £75 million being made available from April. As the healthcare sector continues to undergo a digital transformation, it’s crucial that hospices have access to modern IT systems and adequate IT support for healthcare.
In a press release, the Department of Health and Social Care explains that digitalisation will be a key focus of the new investment. This will allow hospices to expand their services into remote care, which will give patients the option of receiving end of life care in their own homes.
Modernised IT systems will also support safe and efficient data sharing between healthcare institutions. This will mean that patients receive the most timely treatment, and it will save time and reduce the administrative workload for staff. It will also ensure that healthcare providers have access to the most accurate and up to date information.
Ultimately, digital transformation of hospices will ease the current pressure of demand on hospitals, because more patients will have the option of personalised care in their own homes. To achieve this aim, hospices will be using some of the funding to invest in mobile devices and equipment.
The first cash injection of £25 million is currently being distributed, and a further £75 million will be delivered from April. In total, over 170 hospices across the country will receive the funding.
‘The largest investment in a generation’
Minister for Care, Stephen Kinnock said: “This is the largest investment in a generation to help transform hospice facilities across England. From upgrading patient rooms to improving gardens and outdoor spaces, this funding will make a real difference to people at the end of their lives.”
He added: “Hospices provide invaluable care and support when people need it most and this funding boost will ensure they are able to continue delivering exceptional care in better, modernised facilities.”
How IT service providers can support digital transformation
Managed IT service providers can help hospices and other healthcare providers to make a seamless and secure transition to new digital technologies in the following ways:
Assisting with the procurement process
Selecting the right technology and equipment is essential to the success of the process, helping to streamline care and day to day operations. However, the procurement process can be challenging and complex, particularly as digital technology is a rapidly evolving field.
IT professionals can help by conducting needs assessments to identify which technology solutions would be the most appropriate fit for the hospice’s aims and requirements. They can also ensure that the technology solutions will adhere to the compliance standards, such as GDPR and NHS Digital Guidelines.
Experienced IT technicians will also be knowledgeable about the best vendors and suppliers of hardware and software, and may be able to negotiate discounts and additional support services.
Implementing robust cybersecurity measures
Cyber security is a key priority in healthcare, where high volumes of sensitive patient data are being handled. Furthermore, healthcare organisations are prime targets for cyberattackers, because the critical nature of their operations makes them vulnerable to ransomware demands. Stolen personal data can also be sold on the black market.
The expansion of remote hospice care means that robust cybersecurity is more important than ever. A managed IT service provider can help by ensuring that all critical data and edge devices are protected by cybersecurity protocols such as firewalls, encryption, and multi-factor authentication.
The team will also conduct regular security audits to ensure that the measures are effective, up to date and appropriate. Ongoing monitoring and threat detection systems can also be put in place to proactively manage security and mitigate any issues before they have a wider impact.
Assisting with cloud migration
Secure cloud storage solutions provide safe and flexible data storage solutions. IT professionals can oversee this process for hospices and healthcare providers, ensuring that all the relevant regulatory requirements are met, and that the highest standards of cybersecurity are in place, with off-site data backup in a dedicated data centre.
Integrating new and existing technologies
A professional IT service provider can ensure that there is compatibility between new and legacy systems, reducing the risk of disruptions. They can also provide an ongoing support and maintenance service to ensure a safe and seamless transition.
Technology has the potential to create a more accessible and personalized healthcare system, which is empowering for patients and will lead to a higher quality of care.
