The National Health Service (NHS), which serves the healthcare needs of the UK, will adopt an IP communications solution implemented by Central Telecom (a leading systems integrator) and the Wandsworth Group (a healthcare communications specialist). The project features a bedside communication appliance that incorporates television, interactive movies, audio books, radio, telephone, messaging and high-speed Internet access functionality. Patients would be able to access Tele-Call, a touch-screen IP-based entertainment and information system. The Tele-Call system also has the ability to connect to the existing hospital IT network to provide clinical access at the bedside for electronic patient records, digital images and administrative information. The technology underlying the Tele-Call voice services is based on Mitel Networks Your Assistant, a PC-based communications management application. Deployment is anticipated at approximately 55 NHS Trust sites across the UK encompassing approximately 22,000 hospital beds. Financial terms were not disclosed.
http://www.mitel.com
http://www.centraltelecom.co.uk
- In March 2003, Central Telecom announced a £2 million deal to supply an IP communications systems for use at 24 NHS Trust sites and 11,300 beds across the UK.
