17 minute read
Cloud
from Health Business 20.1
by PSI Media
Navigating the cloud market within the NHS
With a brand new framework now in place to help public sector organisations purchase cloud solutions, Phil Davies, Procurement Director at NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS), explains how it simplifies the procurement process and provides very best value for money
The ever-increasing popularity of cloud computing across the public sector in recent years has provided a great opportunity, one that has helped improve the lives of those working to deliver our public services, whilst benefiting the general public who access them day-to-day. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the rapid growth of the sector – and the growing demand from NHS organisations and other public bodies for cloud technologies – has led to a somewhat crowded and complex market. A space where it is all too easy to be overwhelmed by the huge breadth of products and services on offer from a seemingly endless pool of suppliers. And this chimes exactly with the feedback we receive at NHS SBS. Buyers from across the NHS and wider public sector have described the process of navigating the cloud market as unmanageable and daunting. Cloud Solutions Framework
We therefore set about developing a new Cloud Solutions Framework, which involved a rigorous tender process to ensure
legally-compliant access to the very best cloud services at the most competitive price. Like all our
frameworks, access is free of charge to public sector bodies and the agreement is awarded under NHS terms and conditions, offering maximum leverage for the entire public sector. Crucially, we deliberately The rapid growth of cloud computing across the public sector has led to a somewhat crowded and complex market
limited the number of suppliers on the framework to the 10 or 20 most outstanding across four separate lots. The result is a specialist pool of 24 leading suppliers, which provide the greatest expertise and best value-for-money to the NHS or any other public sector organisation.
The framework is also structured in a way that includes a full range of cloud support services, which means that regardless of where a public body is on its journey into the cloud – or how straightforward or complex its requirements – purchasing the right support is simple, quick, costeffective and OJEU (Official Journal of the European Union) compliant.
Four different lots Four different lots cover a wide range of cloud services and include both bespoke and off-the-shelf solutions. The provision of tailored support – unique to this framework – is particularly appealing, enabling a level E
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of flexibility that is often critical to success in the public sector.
Lot 1, ‘Solution Design and Consultancy’, focuses on the initial support that is needed ahead of cloud implementation. This would include things like an analysis of an organisation’s ‘as is’ position, cloud readiness assessments, architecture design and migration planning. It is particularly useful for any organisation considering migration from outdated legacy infrastructure to public or private cloud. Lot 2, ‘Infrastructure as a service (IaaS), Platform as a service (PaaS) and Software as a service (SaaS)’ – in other words, services to design, build, secure and operate cloud hosting environments. This includes public cloud and/or private (and hybrid) cloud hosting, processing, storage, networks and applications running on cloud infrastructure. It covers access to implementation support and end-to-end security management. And it includes a wide range of advanced services, such as AI (Artificial Intelligence), Machine Learning, Chatbots, Blockchain and Big Data. Lot 3, ‘Cloud Support Services’, includes real time support, access to professional expertise, and a range of ongoing or ad-hoc specialist support services. This includes everything from on-site management, to light touch remote support, which enables the retention of in-house management. Finally, Lot 4, ‘End-to-end Cloud Solutions’, helps match a public sector organisation with a trusted partner – a service provider that can offer complete start-to-finish support for its cloud journey. The framework itself runs until September 2021 (with an option to extend for a further two years) and enables public sector users to make direct awards or run mini competitions – which provides further scope to drive down price – to best suit their individual needs.
And, to reflect the fast-evolving nature of the sector, the agreement also encourages suppliers to bring forward innovative new products and solutions throughout the life of the framework, which would further benefit the NHS and wider public sector.
The best quality cloud service To help launch the framework and enable knowledge sharing across the public sector, we recently held an event alongside Public Sector Connect. Over 80 delegates from across the NHS and public sector heard from organisations like NHS Digital about how it has navigated its journey to the cloud. Those attending Cloud Solutions 2020 represented central government departments and some of the country’s largest NHS trusts, local authorities, educational establishments and police forces – highlighting the appetite that exists for the government’s long-standing Cloud First policy.
The aim of the new Cloud Solutions Framework is to provide them with a quick and easy way to procure the best quality cloud services at the best possible price – helping them to invest in new and exciting technologies, which transform the way they work and enhance the services they deliver to future generations. L
FURTHER INFORMATION
www.sbs.nhs.uk/fas-cloud-solutions
SBS adds cyber function to Edge4Health platform
The Edge4Health procurement platform now comes with an integrated cyber security feature, helping to improve the security of the NHS’s supply chain. The newly-launched Edge4Health is being rolled out to more than 60 NHS organisations and will be used by around 30,000 NHS employees. The platform now also enables suppliers to the NHS to check and improve their cyber security, thanks to a dial indicating whether their rating is good, average or bad.
By clicking on the dial, suppliers can download a report that provides a detailed explanation of the specific threats and vulnerabilities affecting their individual organisation, with reports showing exactly how suppliers can reduce their vulnerabilities, enabling them to improve their own security and that of the NHS. A recent report published by Orpheus reviewed the current cyber security of a large number of NHS suppliers and found that: 88 per cent have had company emails and passwords leaked due to attacks on third-party databases; 37 per cent of companies have vulnerabilities that look attractive to cyber criminals; 17 per cent of companies appear to run databases that criminals could target; and 95 per cent of companies lack advanced email protection. Phil Davies, director of Procurement at NHS SBS said: “With £9 billion of annual spend, the NHS has some of the longest and most complex supply chains in the world. Ensuring the security and integrity of these supply chains is a priority for NHS organisations, the government, and suppliers. Enabling suppliers to swiftly check on their current cyber security status is an important step forward in mitigating the threat posed.”
ADEY® manufactures and supplies a range of market leading solutions for heating and chilled water system protection and water treatment across a variety of healthcare environments. Working with specifiers, contractors and facility managers, ADEY has the expertise and experience to enable healthcare providers to optimise their water management system and get the best performance out of their plant rooms. Whatever the demands, size or complexity, ADEY can advise on the best solutions for your site. An award-winning manufacturer of MagnaClean® magnetic filtration technology, ADEY has expanded its product portfolio to include a range of commercial filters, premium chemicals, plant room accessories and heating system solutions.
Magnetite is a significant issue in large heating systems - if left unprotected, it can build up and cause costly damage. ADEY’s commercial filters are designed to tackle this debris and have been manufactured to suit different needs from heavy to light commercial systems, compact plant rooms, and can be fitted inline or sidestream. Plant room accessories and specialist chemicals ensure that every aspect of plant room performance can be optimised.
ADEY prides itself on continued innovation and designing products which will help contractors and installers do the very best job possible.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tel: 01242 546700 www.adey.com
Helping you find the career you deserve RECRUITMENT
Using offsite construction to update heating ENERGY
Proper co-ordination of equipment, controls and timely project delivery are the most difficult, and therefore costly, aspects of creating a modern environmental application for healthcare estates. Pre-built packaged plant rooms not only maximise space, especially if sited on a flat rooftop, but provide a proven method to secure new, highly efficient and cost-effective to operate domestic hot water (DHW), heating and low carbon systems. Healthcare sites can opt for a choice of gas, electric or renewables, such air source heat pumps (ASHP), or these can be combined into a single packaged hybrid system providing a timely answer to meeting new sustainability targets across healthcare estates.
To achieve the best results, the decision-making relating to heating and DHW systems
needs to be finalised early on to allow for the increased lead-in times. Adveco’s design engineers guide project teams through this process to ensure a highly resilient system is fully defined for before construction begins, ensuring rapid return on investment and lower ongoing operating costs. Built within a single weatherproof GRP enclosure, the plant room arrives with all appliances, controls and ancillaries pre-fitted and connected, ready to be sited immediately upon delivery and installed within a matter of days.
FURTHER INFORMATION
www.adveco.co
Are you getting the most from your WiFi coverage? IT
IMC Locums believes in doing things slightly differently than your typical recruitment agency, hand picking recruitment agents who are truly the best within their specialist industries to give the IMC locum workforce the best 360 degree service available anywhere.
IMC’s core business belief is to run like a family, everyone who works with us is helped every step of the way in whatever they want to achieve. IMC provides workforce recruitment solutions as an approved framework supplier to the NHS and the majority of the
private sector, from Nursing to AHP/HSS professionals, IMC provides high calibre staff on a locum and permanent basis.
IMC Locums specialises in the following markets: cardiology; respiratory; neurophysiology; sleep; radiography; occupational therapy; physiotherapy; acute nursing; care home nursing; mental health nursing; and primary care.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tel: 0203 473 2430 contact@imc-locums.co.uk www.imc-locums.co.uk Founded in 1988, Multithread is a wireless and networking business based in Needham Market, Suffolk. The company specialises in wireless and networking optimisation, WiFi site surveys, network support and RF interference investigation, so that you can get the best out of your WiFi installation.
Multithread helps your business by providing expert advice before you invest in a WiFi installation and if required, by optimising your existing network. Its services range from pre-planning an optimised network through to advising on the correct equipment and locations. The Multithread team of engineers are multi-vendor certified with in-depth experience of working in 2.4GHz & 5GHz wireless bands.
Multithread recommends that you invest in pre or post installation WiFi site surveys to ensure you are getting the most from your wireless network. Pre-installation surveys highlight hidden issues that impact your networks performance. Post installation surveys are recommended when your business experiences WiFi dead-spots or an underperforming network.
Whether you need better WiFi coverage in your small office or large hospital complex, give the Multithread team a call today.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tel: 01449 724247 team@multithread.co.uk www.multithread.co.uk
CDW: helping you achieve your IT ambitions ICT
CDW is a company with an international presence in both private and public sector IT, and through our global supply chain provide products and services in over 150 countries.
Integrating new technologies into your organisation demands a careful balancing act; cost, security and competitive advantage all need to be considered as part of a forward-thinking IT strategy. CDW are recipients of the industry’s highest achievable accreditations, and helps its clients achieve their goals by delivering integrated solutions and services that maximise their technology investment.
CDW’s dedicated healthcare team is a trusted technology partner to over 200 healthcare providers across the UK. CDW is committed to delivering technically innovative, support-focused solutions and services to NHS organisations, enabling progress which not only benefits patients but also eases pressure on people and resources. Building IT solutions that generate results is what the company does. And CDW does it better than anyone else because CDW are the People Who Get IT.
FURTHER INFORMATION
uk.cdw.com
Software and digital transformation services IT
Brandon Cross Technologies develops custom software solutions, tailored to your organisation’s specific requirements and objectives, while leveraging maximum value from your existing systems and data.
Services, for GP Practices and NHS providers, are: bespoke and yet competitively priced; scalable, reliable and secure; easy to maintain; GDPR compliant; and capable of evolving with your business.
The Brandon Cross Technologies approach is one of evolution rather than revolution. Major change can bring significant disruption, stress and delay. But a progressive, phased approach significantly reduces risk and disruption. Brandon Cross solutions can work alongside legacy systems, providing new capabilities
and efficiencies, allowing your digital transformation to be more easily managed. The Brandon Cross team is based in the UK ensuring ease of communication and follow through. Its focus is on delivering the capabilities you need simply, yet to the very highest standard. The company starts by analysing your existing systems, processes, security and new requirements to fully understand your priorities before advising on the most reliable and cost-effective way forward.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tel: 0208 144 2000 www.brandoncross.co.uk
Helping to make your business better IT
Fusion Business Support Limited provides IT services and solutions to small, medium and large businesses. The company specialises in creating and maintaining IT environments that make your business a more productive, fun place to work.
Rather than re-invent the wheel, the organisation’s tried and tested solutions incorporate modern cloud, and on-premise solutions from providers such as Microsoft, Lenovo, HP, Dell, Cisco, Ubiquiti and other industry leaders.
Fusion understands that the best results come from playing to its strengths, and it excels at turning reactive, problem-prone IT environments into predictable, reliable assets that increase productivity. Fusion prides itself on being able to tailor our services to the specific requirements of each individual customer.
The organisation is committed to giving you the right guidance in order to make business processes more streamlined while ensuring a secure, robust and easy IT experience, while retaining a personable, flexible and transparent approach. It aims to be completely honest and transparent with its customers, right from day one. By doing so, Fusion hopes you can put your faith, and trust in them to manage what is arguably the most critical component of your business.
FURTHER INFORMATION
info@fbslimited.co.uk Tel: 01452447011 www.fbslimited.co.uk
Reflecting expertise in data intelligence TECHNOLOGY
Healthcare technology leader, Omnicell UK, has launched its new brand to mark 25 years of driving innovation in medication and supply automated technology and medication adherence solutions. The rebrand will reinforce Omnicell’s excellence and credentials in the fields of advanced automation, data intelligence and expert services. Over the coming months, Omnicell UK&I customers and the wider market will begin to see the pioneering new brand communicated across all documentation, products, software and digital platforms.
Omnicell’s core ethos to improve patient care across all healthcare settings remains very much intact. Customers will continue
to receive the most cutting-edge products brought to market with the same levels of service and support. The rebrand makes a bold statement and underlines the company’s objectives and plans for future growth.
Omnicell’s products and services fall into three distinct areas: adherence automation, pharmacy automation and supplies automation. These all underpin a core aim of reducing medication dispensing errors, improving patient safety, driving supplies efficiency, enabling medical professionals to spend more time on face-to-face patient care.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Offsite manufacturing to ensure projects are delivered safely and to time and budget
Engineering and construction contractor Fordingbridge continue to deliver in healthcare. Fordingbridge plc, the West Sussex based firm, are now onsite with McLaughlin & Harvey at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. The firm were approached by the main contractor to undertake the design and build of the ambulance bay canopy for the newly extended Emergency Department at the Oxford University Hospital Trusts’ premises. Part of a wider expansion project, six ambulance spaces will be created and a more efficient drop off point set up at the entrance of the new building. Fordingbridge, the architectural canopy specialist, have been assigned the design, manufacture and build of the new structure to protect patients and paramedics from inclement weather, hence enhancing patient experience and working conditions for staff. The award follows on from multiple successfully delivered healthcare projects by the firm, including William Harvey Hospital, Hull Royal Infirmary, East Surrey Hospital and St Marys Community Health Campus. Jon Heywood, healthcare specialist for the firm, said: “We are delighted to be working with our client, and the trust themselves on this project. Our approach to working in a live hospital environment is driven entirely by safety. This is through both a methodical staged build, to ensure a department receives no restricted access during installation and also, through the overall quality of the finished product.
“Our structures are structurally calculated, before being manufactured inhouse, to ensure we can apply our industry leading guarantees which each installation, therefore delivering optimum value to the trust.”
The 330sq ft canopy has been designed to allow for full pedestrian access, and has a delivery programme of seven days, allowing the finalisation works to be completed prior to the client handover by the main contractor.
Heywood continues: “The benefits of operating solely inhouse, and prefabricating our structures offsite, are especially apparent with our work in hospital environments. We appreciate that with healthcare, disruption to the site is not simply an interrupted lesson or loss of trade, as with our education and retail projects; it can be an overarching risk to public safety. Manufacturing and prefabricating offsite in our custom facility, means we deliver safely and to time and budget. A great deal of ‘canopy companies’ outsource the manufacture of their products, so cannot deliver the same quality or consistency. With over 50 years experience in external structures, we are in the fortunate position to back up our claims with solid examples.”
FURTHER INFORMATION
www.fordingbridge.co.uk
ADVERTISERS INDEX The publishers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions in this free service
ADEY Innovation 76 Advance 6 Adveco (AWP) 76 ARI- Armaturen UK 8 BeaconMedaes IFC Big Dug 54 Blackthorn GRC 62 Brandon Cross Technologies 77 CDW 77 Group Nexus 29 Daikin Applied 40 DDC Dolphin 16 Debt Recovery Plus 26 Dynabook 44,45 EDM Healthcare Consulting 58,59 Eggplant 60,64,65 EIT Health UK-Ireland 50,51 Eland Cables 60 Ephesoft 52 Fairford Medical 70 FFUUSS UK & EIRE 42 Fire Doors Complete 18 Fordingbridge Plc 78 Fujitsu 34,35 Fusion Business Support 77 Gojo Industries 48 Illumino Ignis 10 IMC Locums 76 Inhealth Group 66 ISS 14 Legrand Electric 22 Medica Group 66,68 Medstrom Healthcare 72 Micrima 66 Multithread 76 Murray Equipment Co IBC Office Depot OBC Opex Corporation 4 Parallels 46 Parking Ticketing 32 Radar Software 60 Safety Technology 20 Science Animated 68 The Oyster Partnership 38,39 Total Telecoms 71 Trinity PR 77 Trojan Bins 54 White Horse Scientific 12 WPS United Kingdom 28 Zegami 66
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