Updata, part of Capita plc, has agreed a new contract to provide WAN connectivity via the Kent Public Service Network (KPSN), in a contract worth around £850,000 over three years.
In collaboration with KPSN, Updata is working towards offering the new Health and Social Care Network (HSCN) to organisations throughout the county as soon as it becomes available, replacing the old N3 network and offering improved bandwidths at reduced costs.
Updata will also provide WiFi equipment through the contract, which will deliver private and public connectivity to approximately 200 health sector buildings across Kent by the end of 2017.
The North East London Commissioning Support Unit (NELCSU), which provides all of the IT function to Kent CCG, secured the funding from NHS England for this investment.
Andrew Bullock, MD Connectivity, Capita Networking Solutions, said: "All NHS organisations need to be preparing for the introduction of HSCN. KPSN and NELCCU are leading the way in preparing the infrastructure to take advantage of this service as soon as it become available. HSCN will provide a robust and secure network as well as helping to reduce costs. Updata will work closely with NHS organisations within Kent to ensure its introduction does not affect the delivery of services."
