Our IT projects team successfully undertook a cabinet refresh and installation programme in 55 practices as part of a phase one implementation.  

Background

Sandwell and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group (SWBCCG) asked us to undertake a project to install network cabinets, or refresh existing ones, in 55 of their practices. The main objective was to prepare sites for the introduction of new technologies including VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) telephony and Wi-Fi, whilst also taking account of known future technologies including VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure), HSCN (Health and Social Care Network) and Athena migration.  A second phase will cover a further 41 practices.​

Action

The works required the expertise of our 3rd-line engineers and specialist external electrical contractors. Each site was surveyed to establish its current status and to detail any site-specific constraints. This information was used by the network engineers to produce a recommendation report detailing the works required, a kit list and electrical contractor requirements. Each report was fully costed and approved by SWBCCG, orders were raised and arrangements made for individual works to be progressed. ​

Most of the works required downtime for the practices, so they were mainly undertaken out of hours or during weekends. The works were managed by our IT Projects Team.​

Impact

Within the constraints of each individual site, the following objectives have been met:​

• additional network cabinet space and power has been provided to support new technologies​
• replacement of network switches to allow remote NHS Midlands and Lancashire management, allowing 20 per cent capacity for future expansion​
• tidying of cabling and equipment to meet Health & Safety requirements​
• replacement or installation of new uninterruptable power supplies ​
• removal and disposal of redundant equipment​
• replacement of firewall devices, where these are deemed end-of-life​
• installation of additional patch panels to support VDI requirements.​

These works have already enabled installation of Redcentric equipment at many of the practices so that VoIP telephony and Wi-Fi solutions can be introduced.​

Feedback

“I have been immensely impressed by the way in which the cabinet refresh programme has been managed… The communication has been strong, the issues and associated risks highlighted clearly and easier to mitigate as a consequence. ​

Considering the amount of components and overall deliverables involved with each cabinet refresh, it has been remarkably successful. I will go as far as saying it has been one of the best led programmes that I have seen.” ​

Manoj Behal, IT Lead & Technical Officer, Sandwell and West Birmingham CCG​

Further information

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