NHS Wales gets one number for IT

NHS staff at hospitals in Wales are using a new dedicated service desk and one number for IT support.

The new service desk, which is using software developed by NHS Wales IT staff, is being piloted and tested by Hywel Dda before being rolled out across the country later this year.

Servicepoint is also being piloted by the NHS Wales Informatics Service Velindre, Aneurin Bevan, Betsi Cadwaldr, Welsh Ambulance and Primary Care Service Desks.

A Servicepoint incident management module has this week been successfully launched in Cwm Taf.

The service provides users with one number to call when their computer or system develops a fault and provides them with a dedicated email address and intranet link for information.

Robin Jones, assistant director of informatics in Hywel Dda said: "This new service will be based on recognised best practice.

"More importantly, it will greatly improve the current service desk bringing together the disparate arrangements into a single coherent service that is fit for purpose for the new health board."

Informing Healthcare said the programme will deliver better service and support in information technology. The improvements are in line with global best practice in service management standards known as IT Infrastructure Library.

Over 400 staff have received information and technology training, including nearly 100 in ITIL, and an additional 300 have been trained in Servicepoint across NHS Wales.