June 2015

New graduates embark on informatics career

Five graduates begin two year skills programme

Five graduates have embarked on a two year skills programme which will equip them for a career in health informatics.

The graduates (from L-R: Sion Rees, Laura Wilson, Sam Hurcom, David Martin, and Caitlin Argument) have found work as part of our Workforce and Professional Development Programme, which is establishing career pathways to support apprentices in IT and graduate interns in informatics. Two are now based with Betsi Cadwaladr's information department, two others with NHS Wales Informatics Service and one with Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Health Board.

The graduates will be supported by a mentor throughout the programme.

"[In university] I studied Public Services. For my dissertation, I worked with data and figures like mortality rates. So when I saw the graduate intern scheme come up for health informatics I couldn't believe how suitable it was for me.

I had been working in other roles which didn't relate to my degree but this scheme will help me go in the direction I would like to. I am currently working as a Project Support Officer but looking at different areas of informatics and will be able to decide at the end which is most suitable for me."

Laura Wilson - Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board Project Support Officer

This graduate programme follows a similar scheme that finished last year and saw four graduates move into informatics careers.

And then there was one

My Health Online nears complete rollout

The My Health Online online booking and repeat prescription service is available in nearly all the 458 GP practices in Wales.

Only one practice in Aneurin Bevan Health Board is not yet connected, and that will occur sometime this month.

Currently, practices are using My Health Online to offer patients an opportunity to either book appointments online or order prescriptions online, or both. Interest in offering both elements is growing.

If practices want further information about My Health Online, or would like further training, please contact the Primary Care Service Desk on 03332 008 048.

New access for dentists and optometrists to NHS Wales Network

Network connects to e-mail and e-library

Dentists and optometrists are being given the opportunity to connect to the NHS Wales Network, providing access to NHS email, internal websites and e-library. The email service comes with access to the NHS Wales global address book - making it easier to connect with NHS Wales colleagues across primary and secondary care.

Each practice can receive one practice e-mail account. The NHS Wales e-library includes journals on pharmacy, dental and optometry work. The e-library can also provide access to libraries all over Wales such as the Brian Cooke Dental Library in Cardiff.

In Wales, 43 dental sites and 88 optometry sites are now connected to the network and work is continuing to connect more.

If you are a dentist or optician and would like to find out more, please contact DentalICT@wales.nhs.uk or OptomICT@wales.nhs.uk

Ringing us up

Some of our offices have new numbers

To save costs and allow easier call transfers, we're consolidating our phone system.

All telephone numbers in our Mold and Swansea offices have been replaced with new numbers beginning with 02920 50.

Our Pontypool/Mamhilad office will also be changing in the near future.

If wish to call specific staff or departments within NHS Wales Informatics Service and you haven't been updated on their new contact numbers, please dial our main switchboard at 02920 500 500.

Informatics @ Events

Health statistics in Wales made plain

How are statistics used to help patients, health care workers and policy makers in Wales?

Find out at an upcoming learning event at Millennium Stadium, Thursday 25 June between 10am and 4pm spotlighting how statistical data is accessed and used.

The event is organised by the Welsh Government, UK Statistics Authority, Public Health Wales and NHS Wales Informatics Service.

It will include presentations from a range of experts, including members of the UK Statistics Authority and Dr Andrew Goodall, the Director General of Health and Social Services as well as showcase some of the advancements in how statistics are used in Wales.

For more information or if you would like to reserve a place, please email:

kasevents@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Informatics in the News

Care Coordination

BBC News covered the announcement of the �6.7m investment toward a Community Care Information Solution (CCIS).

The new system will enable health, social services, mental health, therapy and community services to ensure services and support for individuals, families and communities are more effectively planned, co-ordinated, and delivered. It will support information sharing requirements, case management and workflow for the organisations across Wales.

The NHS Wales Informatics Service is actively involved in managing the procurement of the new CCIS in partnership with Bridgend County Community Council.

Informatics in Words

Forward Progress

"Historically technical roles have been made up predominantly of male employees. Within NHS Wales Informatics Service we are noticing more women are now applying and successfully obtaining these roles demonstrating the skills and knowledge our organisation needs.

As an organisation committed to equality and diversity we actively encourage women with the relevant technical skills and acumen to apply for our roles."

Kalee Thomas, NHS Wales Informatics Service Organisational Development Facilitator

Read more about how the gender gap in informatics seems to be narrowing in a recent article for the Guardian's "Inspiring Leaders" segment written by NHS England Digital Service Lead Ninjeri Pandit.

And find out more about joining our team at our jobs pages on our website.

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