Vaughan Gething: over £11m to improve cyber security in the NHS

Health Secretary Vaughan Gething has announced £11.33m of investment into NHS information technology equipment and services.

The money will be used by health boards and other health organisations to replace ageing equipment, strengthen systems against cyber-attack and improve back-up infrastructure in the Welsh NHS.

Vaughan Gething said:

“The money will be shared between all the health boards and a range of other NHS organisations, including Velindre and the Welsh Ambulance Service.

“This funding will enable NHS organisations to purchase new PCs and laptops, to improve WiFi connectivity and invest in servers, storage and improved back-up capacity.

“More efficient, more reliable IT systems will help all elements of the NHS to work more effectively and more flexibly, and to improve the service they can offer to patients.

“This investment is in response to what NHS organisations tell us they need to ensure that their IT infrastructure remains safe, secure and fit for purpose into the future.”

In Powys Teaching Health Board, the funding will further support the roll out of the Welsh Community Care Information System.  This will enable safe sharing of information and help to deliver improved care and support, linking up services including social care, mental health care, district nurses, health visitors and services for older people.

Within Velindre NHS Trust, the funding allocated has been prioritised towards critical infrastructure replacements that will provide the opportunity to implement and develop future patient centric services.