A new partnership between O2 and the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust will see ambulances save 1,700 days of ambulance crew time over the course of a year.
O2 has enabled the roll-out of a new electronic patient record system that provides iPads to 4,000 frontline staff and end-to-end support service to help staff get connected as smoothly as possible.
The technology will enable staff to transfer patients and switch over crews swiftly over a secure virtual interface – eliminating the need to pass over paper records and ensuring patients only have to explain their symptoms once.
The roll-out provides a fully managed device, forward and reverse logistics, and automatic enrolment, which means ambulance staff can be up and running straight away when they are provided with the device.
The partnership could see efficiencies that equate to 1,700 days of ambulance crew time saved over the course of a year, and the elimination of paper waste will also see significant environmental benefits.
O2 managing director for business Jo Bertram said: “This year more than any other has highlighted the incredible work of NHS workers, who have got us through this pandemic.
“Ambulance staff work tirelessly in a fast-paced, high-pressured environment to bring exceptional first response care to patients. By implementing these new technologies, we hope to eliminate any inefficiencies and create seamless systems to help them focus on doing what they do best.”
EEAST chief information officer Stephen Bromhall added: “We are delighted to be working with O2 on this project to embed innovation across our Trust for the benefit of the six million patients we serve.
“This new system will provide staff with easy-to-use, secure ways to seamlessly transfer patient notes virtually, which will help our dedicated crews get back on the road faster so they can continue to focus on delivering the best possible patient care.”
The partnership is set to be worth £5.9 million over a five-year contract, with part-funding from NHSX.
