NHS Digital commercial and HSCN teams win prestigious innovation award

3 Jul 2019 01:11 PM

NHS Digital won the Innovation Award at the Yorkshire and Humber Skills and Development Network Commercial Awards for the Health and Social Care Network (HSCN), which has saved the NHS almost £50m per year.

HSCN provides internet and other connectivity services to NHS and care organisations; an essential infrastructure supporting the delivery of care. Previously these services were supplied by one provider but NHS Digital has created a new HSCN marketplace with twenty accredited suppliers that gives organisations a choice of services to choose from. This has led to reduced costs and enhanced services, more tailored to individual organisations’ needs.

Tim Arnold, Commercial Lead for HSCN, yesterday said

“It was a privilege to attend and to pick up the award on behalf of the HSCN team.  

“Whilst the awards are commercially focussed, this project wasn’t just about saving money, it was about providing better, more secure services that genuinely gives users more choice and greater flexibility, and ultimately to improve patient care.”

Patrick Clark, HSCN Programme Director yesterday said

“I’m delighted that the hard work of the team has been recognised. 

“We have created a vibrant and highly competitive marketplace for network connectivity that is providing health and care organisations with real choice and fantastic value for money.”

The collaboration has also been shortlisted for a Public Procurement award at the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) awards. 

Notes to editors

NHS Digital is the national information and technology partner of the health and care system.  Our team of information analysis, technology and project management experts create, deliver and manage the crucial digital systems, services, products and standards upon which health and care professionals depend.  Our vision is to harness the power of information and technology to make health and care better.

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