World news – CA – Welsh Ambulance Service releases new digital strategy

The Welsh Ambulance Service has set out how they will incorporate the technology in an ambitious new digital strategy going forward.

Recent advances in the service include the introduction of iPads for frontline workers, the move to modern cloud services through Microsoft Office 365, and a new electronic health record.

The Trust’s new strategy outlines its plans to drive future change through four ambitious « digital missions » – empowering the digital patient, building the digital workplace, intelligence through data and digital foundations.

Andy Haywood, Director Digital Services, said: “The Welsh Ambulance Service has undergone significant changes in recent years and is now celebrated internationally as one of the most innovative of its kind in the clinical and operational field.

“Every aspect of our service is powered by technology, whether it’s our ambulance, non-emergency patient transport, clinical contact centers, and beyond.

« This strategy recognizes the fact that change is coming no matter what, and directs us all to effectively accept those changes and use them to positively transform what we do.

“The use of technology and data is fundamental to improving our services, making the work of our employees easier and, most importantly, improving the patient experience. ”

Recent innovations also included the introduction of what3words, a technology that enables emergency services to determine the exact location of a person in a time-sensitive situation.

In May, the service launched Consultant Connect, an app that enables paramedics to speak to specialists in seconds for support and decision-making when a patient has complex needs.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Trust has also held virtual board meetings and even started a podcast for employees.

Going forward, the Trust will introduce an electronic patient record announcing the transition from paper-based patient records and updating the computerized mailing system for its non-emergency patient transport service to enable more efficient travel planning.

As part of the ongoing rollout of 111, the service that brings together NHS Direct Wales and GP Out-of-Hours services, a new patient information management system will also be introduced to make it easier for 111 colleagues to document patient encounters and sharing information with colleagues elsewhere in the NHS Wales.

CEO Jason Killens said, “Andy’s appointment as Director of Digital Services in January was the first of its kind for our ambulance service. This strategy is proof of how committed we are to using digital technologies to improve our services.

« We have long had ambitions in the digital arena and the Covid-19 pandemic has acted as a catalyst for some of this work that has been a silver lining in a really difficult time.

“Now it’s a matter of building on this work and making things even more efficient for our employees, volunteers and, above all, our patients. ”

Ambulance, Welsh Ambulance, Aviation Medicine, NHS Wales