Health and care organisations continue to adopt, deploy and rely on more sophisticated digital services. It is critical to ensure the right underlying network infrastructure, broadband connectivity and WiFi technology is in place to support the growing demand for bandwidth and reliable connectivity especially in those locations which are hard to reach. The Future Connectivity programme has been set up to identify priority health and care sites and match fund installation costs to enable the NHS to achieve the timely adoption of gigabit capable connectivity.
As digitisation accelerates across health and social care, demand for bandwidth is increasing by no less than 30% year on year with faster, more reliable, ‘always on’ connectivity needed to support new and emerging models of care.
To meet the growing demand for connectivity and ensure digital transformation is not hindered by network infrastructure, the NHS must make plans now to adopt and, where necessary, invest in the provision of ultrafast (gigabit capable) connectivity and technologies (Wi-Fi) to support the delivery of digitally mature health services.
The Future Connectivity programme consists of 2 active projects:
Gigabit Pathway provides a range of expertise, technical and commercial resources, working with NHS organisations to identify individual site-level connectivity requirements, and to choose a suitable connectivity and funding support option that delivers access to a fast and efficient ubiquitous network solution.
The Connectivity Hub works with NHS organisations to address connectivity challenges, share best practice and provide guidance to ensure they are getting the best out of current and emerging technologies