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NHS Wales network bandwidth increased
 
Digital services using the NHS Wales network are benefitting from a big increase in bandwidth. This increase allows for speedier image sharing, improved remote working for GPs, and more reliable video conferencing and communications using Microsoft Office 365.

The bandwidth has been increased to 5gb with circuit changes implemented allowing a further increase to 10gb, when required.
 
The enhanced bandwidth comes on the heels of rapid improvements in network capability by the NWIS Core Services team and cooperation between Welsh Government, Welsh health boards, service suppliers like BT, and many other organisations.

To accommodate these improvements, the Core Services team has redesigned the network to include new equipment and upgraded services.
Swansea Bay goes live with national image viewing
 
Secondary care clinicians in Swansea Bay University Health Board are the latest to benefit from a function within the Welsh Clinical Portal that allows them to view patient images from other health boards in Wales. 
 
Using the web client Mobility, clinicians can view images that are associated with a radiology report displayed in WCP, even if those images are located in another health board.  Sharing images electronically across boundaries assists clinicians in making informed decisions, while reducing administration costs.
 
Swansea Bay and Velindre NHS Trust recently implemented the system, following  Powys, Hywel Dda, Cwm Taf and Cardiff and Vale health boards
R oyal Glamorgan Hospital gets digital diabetes patient records
 
Diabetes clinicians in the Royal Glamorgan Hospital are now using the national Diabetes Consultation Note to record and view patient information within the Welsh Clinical Portal (WCP).

The Diabetes Consultation Note allows consultants, nurses and dietitians to record and view important information about the management of a patient's diabetes. This includes insulin regimens, observations, clinical advice, guidance and test results.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has allowed diabetes clinicians to maintain the patient record electronically while conducting telephone consultations in place of standard outpatient clinics. All of this information is stored in the Welsh Clinical Portal and easily accessible to other clinicians involved in a patient's care.

To date, there have been over 11,000 Diabetes Consultation Notes created across Cwm Taf and Hywel Dda health boards.


Welsh Community Care Information System helps Allied Health Professionals deliver rehabilitation care during pandemic

The Welsh Community Care Information System (WCCIS) is helping Allied Health Professionals ensure vital rehabilitation care is delivered in the community for people who are recovering from coronavirus.

The system will be used to provide data about the number of people recovering from COVID-19, in the community and for those who have been discharged from hospital.

It will look to collect data around the type of rehabilitation required and being delivered, where this is taking place, and response times.

It will also provide data on the method of contact - face to face, telephone and virtual consultations - and the number of contacts required to deliver a programme of care that meets the needs of the person recovering from coronavirus.

This information will help health and social services to identify how many staff are needed to deliver rehabilitation, as well as informing practice and the quality of care delivered for people across Wales.

It will also highlight any gaps in provision so resources can be identified and put in place to ensure needs are met.

This is another example of WCCIS being used to support information requirements around COVID-19 to improve care, support and delivery of services for people in the community.

The WCCIS programme was asked to support this work by the Directors of Therapies and Health Scientists and Strategic Programme for Primary Care, through the Primary and Community COVID-19 Cell.

It aligns with the national strategic drive to ensure rehabilitation remains a key and ongoing priority at all levels to support the population's recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the long term sustainability of the health and social care system.

Welsh Government published its rehabilitation framework on May 29 which provides guidance to help organisations plan rehabilitation services following the pandemic.
Job vacancy: Deputy Director of Information
 
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Deputy Director of Information to develop, define, manage and support the national strategic direction of Information Services which will determine and support the delivery of the A Healthier Wales, Welsh Government's 10 year plan for health and care services in Wales.

This role will oversee core areas including:
  • Information Programme Management
  • Information Design and Standards Development
  • Information Development and Delivery
  • Primary care Information
  • Community Care Information
  • Information Research
This is a unique opportunity to improve the way NHS Wales uses information to support change and transform care services.

More information about the role and instructions on how to apply can be found on our website.