WWL Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust implements new unified communications service

As part of its 2030 strategy, the Trust is developing its digital capabilities and implementing a modern and resilient unified communications (UC) service to support communication across the entire organisation and enhance the patient experience through its contact centre.

The new service delivers scalable cloud-based telephony, UC and contact centre solutions that utilise both Cisco and Microsoft technologies for enhanced collaboration. The roll out of the project is already underway and the contact centre solution went live during December 2021, with the current phase focused on replacing the existing legacy telephony with a modern IP solution.

For the Trust’s 7,000 employees this provides a secure and easy to use UC platform that’s available at anytime, anywhere. The service is fully managed by Cinos under Cinos’ Cisco Powered Unified Communications service, underpinned by the UK sovereign Cinos Cloud platform. Supported by a Cisco Calling Enterprise Agreement, it offers a range of channels such as web and video conferencing, voice calling, desktop sharing and instant messaging, that will allow employees to work effectively with each other and provide an optimised patient engagement journey.

Malcolm Gandy, Chief Information Officer at WWL, said: “There’s an ever-increasing demand for digital solutions and the new service will provide the Trust with a robust, fit for purpose and always on communications platform that gives our staff more time to deliver the best possible safe patient care.”

As a major acute trust offering a range of acute and community services, it’s important that the UC service truly supports WWL in providing the very best care and experience for patients and residents. The service has been designed to deliver full resilience and critical communications like the NHS 2222 emergency line, which will be supported using a hybrid approach, both on-premise and in the cloud. For the Trust’s employees, Cinos’ cloud-based services such as softphones will enable quick and easy collaboration across departments, regardless of device or location.

Tony King, Director of Healthcare at Cinos explains: “In the current climate, it’s more important than ever to have a flexible and resilient communication solution that works for all staff, while maintaining a high level of patient care. Our expertise within the healthcare sector allows us to deliver true value and pioneer digital transformation. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals as it uses our service to achieve greater efficiencies and service improvements.”