Minister emphasises cyber security and improvement of back-up infrastructure
The Welsh Government has made a fresh round of funds available for raising the IT capability of health boards and other health organisations in the country, with the announcement of an £11.3 million investment.
Its statement emphasised the intention to strengthen systems against cyber attacks and improve back-up infrastructure in the Welsh NHS.
Health Secretary Vaughan Gething (pictured) said: “The money will be shared between all the health boards and a range of other NHS organisations, including Velindre (NHS Trust) and the Welsh Ambulance Service.
“This funding will enable NHS organisations to purchase new PCs and laptops, to improve WiFi connectivity and invest in servers, storage and improved back-up capacity.
“More efficient, more reliable IT systems will help all elements of the NHS to work more effectively and more flexibly, and to improve the service they can offer to patients.
“This investment is in response to what NHS organisations tell us they need to ensure that their IT infrastructure remains safe, secure and fit for purpose into the future.”
The announcement highlighted funding for two organisations: Velindre has received funds for critical infrastructure replacements to support patient services; while Powys Teaching Health Board has been given money to support the roll out of the Welsh Community Care Information System.
In December of last year, NHS Wales published a five-year digital strategy that involves the provision of free Wi-Fi in all of its hospitals and the development of more patient-facing online services.
Image from Welsh Government, Open Government Licence
