NHS body prescribes data system overhaul
The National Clinical Assessment Service to deploy new database
The National Clinical Assessment Service – an NHS body charged with investigating doctor and dentist performance concerns – is deploying a new database to accommodate increasing volumes of data.
Kevin Hunt, NCAS development manager, says the project is vital and comes five years after the organisation started work to avoid the existing database ‘crashing’.
‘The database was set up four years ago for a particular case load and that case load has now gone far beyond the capacity of the database,' Hunt said.
The new system will link information about cases, customers, staff, training, legal advice and finance.
Hunt says the biggest challenge is migrating data from the existing database as well as assimilating information currently outside the framework of the database.
The main benefit according to Hunt includes unifying the organisation’s data and avoiding the duplication of data and inputting processes.
He says cost savings will arise though increased effectiveness and efficiency saving time and the allocation of resources.
The new database will facilitate income generation though NCAS’s work outside the NHS remit although it is only a small proportion of the organisation’s work.
The contract for the new database will include maintenance and support including a help-desk facility available during office hours.
NCAS is planning a full roll out by the end of June and gives the database a five year life span.
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Further reading:
NHS computer project needs backing of health staff to succeed