Modern tech hub transforms IT support service for staff
A modern “tech hub” where Solent NHS staff can access IT support has opened in Portsmouth.
The drop-in facility at St Mary’s Community Health Campus will provide workers with a speedy and efficient service, minimising their time away from the Trust’s busy wards and departments.
If more than an on-the-spot fix is needed, the member of staff will simply have their device swapped out for a replacement.
The new system means staff can get back to work quickly, rather than waiting for advice from a call centre or parting with their computer or laptop while the problem is sorted.
The new hub, situated near the restaurant in Block A at St Mary’s, has already proved popular with staff.
Dawn Day, Head of Digital Delivery at Solent NHS Trust, said: “Staff from all areas have been really impressed by this smart new space.
“We wanted to make our engineers more accessible and this is the perfect location right in the entrance corridor at St Mary’s.
“Staff who have time can take a seat while we try and sort out their issue, while those in a hurry can use our stress-free swap-out service.”
Dawn added: “We are very grateful to the Estates team for this superb transformation. As well as being a welcoming place for people to visit, it provides a very pleasant working environment for our team.”
Experts at the tech hub cater for any digital related issue – ranging from headsets and smartcards to laptops and mobile phones.
Solent NHS Estates and Facilities worked closely with the IT team to design an area with a distinctly different feel to the rest of the hospital site.
Previously an office, the modern suite is equipped with comfy chairs where staff can relax and wait if they wish to, along with high desks and bar stool-style seats where they can sit and use their devices.
Warm, welcoming colours have been chosen to encourage people to pop in with any queries they may have.
A brick effect feature wall, split level ceiling and spotlights have been used to create a spacious and slightly industrial feel.
Equipped with a large screen, the versatile area can also be used for training, inductions and workshops.
A second tech hub has been launched for Solent staff in Southampton. The facility at Oakley Road is due to undergo improvements in the near future.
