April 2021
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Digital Health and Care Wales launched
Digital Health and Care Wales officially launched on the 1st April.

Created to take forward digital transformation, the new organisation will provide the national technology and data services needed by patients and clinicians.

Operating as a Special Health Authority with an independent Chair and Board, it replaces the NHS Wales Informatics Service, reflecting the importance of digital and data in modern health and care. 

A Healthier Wales, the Welsh Government’s plan for health and care, identifies the development of digital services as key to delivering services fit for the future. 

Bob Hudson OBE, interim Chair, said: “The pace of technology change has never been faster. We have seen how the rapid deployment of new technology has supported the NHS Wales’ response to the pandemic, with over 5,000 video consultations every week, a national contact tracing platform and vaccination system. But there is more to do.
"We are at a watershed where new technologies can truly transform the way healthcare is delivered, and the new SHA will ensure Wales is at the forefront of this revolution”. 
As one of the few nations where a patient’s data can follow them around the system, Wales is well-placed to put digital at the heart of health and care.  

Moving forward, the new Special Health Authority signals a change in emphasis focussed on delivery, innovation and support for individuals’ health and well-being. 

Helen Thomas, interim CEO, commented: “Creation of Digital Health and Care Wales is a really positive step that allows us to support the wider system, with the advantage of scale when it matters, combined with an understanding of the health needs of our communities. 

“This is an exciting time and the start of a new era for digital health and care.  Technology is evolving and the pandemic has demonstrated that it has never been more important for our NHS. Now we look forward to working together with patients and health professionals to innovate, move forward and make technology and data work for better health.” 

Digital Health and Care Wales is established as a national body by Welsh Government and is part of the NHS Wales family. 
New Board in place
Five independent members, a chair and vice-chair have been appointed to the Digital Health and Care Wales Board. The Board currently includes directors and a Board Secretary, with two new members to be appointed shortly. Click below to find out more about all of the Board members.
Digital access to patient images gives doctors the full picture
Healthcare professionals in Wales can now see images of their patients – such as X-rays and MRI scans – at the click of a single button.
Previously doctors would have to move through several systems, or wait to receive a hard disc copy or a printed scan, if the images were taken in other locations. Now, all images are available for all patients, no matter where they are receiving care in Wales.

It means patients can receive care faster, and healthcare professionals can collaborate more easily on the best care for patients. Velindre Hospital Consultant Eve Gallop-Evans said, “To be able to view scan images of cancer patients wherever they are is critical to providing high quality care. I can give an opinion on suitability for treatment without having to request the relevant scans.  Being able to see MRI scans facilitates emergency radiotherapy provision out of hours.”

The images are viewed using the Welsh Clinical Portal – the national patient information system created by NHS Wales Informatics Service.
Rhidian Hurle, Chief Clinical Information Officer for Wales said “This functionality makes it easier for health care professionals across Wales to see what they need to see to treat patients regardless of where the imaging tests were performed and is great news for patients and NHS Wales”
The Welsh Clinical Portal is a digital patient record used across hospitals and health boards in Wales. The system has recently become available as a mobile app, and is currently used by more than 27,000 NHS Wales health professionals.
National and local service desks merged
In line with the move to a special health authority, we have merged our Primary Care and NWIS Local Service Desk teams. The new merged team will be known as the DHCW Service desk.

The Primary Care Service Desk email address and the NWIS Local Service Desk email address will continue to work, with all emails forwarded to the new DHCW account. The URL for our Self Service Portal is now https://dhcw-service-portal.wales.nhs.uk/.

Both the Primary Care Service Desk and NWIS Local Service Desk websites will be decommissioned by July 2021. The Self Service Portal will become the main site for support, news, updates and help guides.
 
 The main external telephone number to contact the DHCW Service Desk is now 0333 200 8048.  
Digital Health and Care Wales shortlisted for COVID-19 Outstanding Response Award 

Digital Health and Care Wales has been shortlisted as a finalist for the COVID-19 Outstanding Response Award in this year's Go Awards Wales. You can find details of categories and finalists on their website.

The awards will be announced online on 29th April, you can register to watch here: https://www.goawards.co.uk/wales/go-awards-tickets/.
Join our team

Do you want to make a difference to patient care? Working for Digital Health and Care Wales you can be part of the digital revolution in healthcare, developing and delivering new services for healthcare staff and patients.

Recently awarded the accolade of the’ Best Place to Work in IT in the UK’ by the British Computer Society we offer flexible working, opportunities for professional development and a range of benefits including support for childcare. Take a look at our latest vacancies.