High-Tech Hospital Implements IP Telephony to Create a Modern Telecommunications Environment
Newbury, UK - Communications and technology company, Azzurri Communications and the leading provider of IP communications solutions, Mitel, today announced that they have been selected by University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH), to provide a complete IP communications system for its newly-constructed hospital facility on Euston Road, London. The Trust aims to connect around 2,000 handsets to its new network, enabling staff to make full use of hospital services and maintain a high level of service to patients.
As one of the most technologically advanced hospital in Europe, UCLH requires a modern communications infrastructure that fits with The Trust's main objectives for its new hospital. After researching the telecommunications marketplace, UCLH recognised that IP telephony offers the most advanced communications platform commercially available, with the lowest element of risk. As it operates in a critical environment, The Trust requires a flexible and resilient communications system, as it cannot afford for it to be down for any length of time.
Rather than a traditional ward structure, the new hospital is made up of multi-disciplinary floors, creating a much more flexible environment for staff and patients. The IP solution will complement this, enabling UCLH to have greater flexibility with its communications. Consultants, and other staff who are required to work in all areas of the hospital, will be able to keep the same telephone number as they move around, simply logging on to the telephone system from wherever they are.
UCLH has already experienced cost savings through the need to install just a single cable infrastructure accommodating both its voice and data networks. In the future, The Trust envisages more savings from not having to upgrade its telephony system when new applications are added. It will also drive down the cost of any departmental moves and changes as the telephone system will not require reprogramming for each relocation.
Azzurri is implementing the Mitel 3300 Integrated Communications Platform (ICP), combined with Mitel 5201 and 5215 IP handsets across the hospital. UCLH is also installing the Mitel Messaging Server (6510) to provide extra resilience in its voicemail facility, guaranteeing delivery of all messages. UCLH selected Mitel following an evaluation of IP manufacturers, in which Mitel was recommended for its reliability and scalability.
Peter Burroughs, Director of Capital Investment, UCLH said: "UCLH and its partners have put a great deal of time and effort into the development of the new hospital. The result is a hospital that we are all very proud of and which will meet the aim to provide the very best facilities for patients and staff. The Trust's telecommunications strategy had to match this aim and after extensive evaluation Mitel systems were chosen. It was also very important for the Trust to ensure that the systems were implemented in the best possible manner. Azzurri proved their capabilities in this field by winning what was a very competitive tender and we look forward to building on our relationship with them."
The Trust's new 422 million hospital, based on the Euston Road, is one of the largest NHS building projects in the country and will provide patients, staff and visitors with world class facilities and an opportunity to embrace new ways of working to improve the patient experience and maximise the potential of new technology.
UCLH selected Azzurri as its implementation partner from an original list of 54. Due to its existing relationship through a telecoms maintenance contract, UCLH knew that Azzurri provided it with a strong cultural fit, being responsive and flexible to the way The Trust works. It also had experience of the strong technical expertise within Azzurri and knew that it could help deliver The Trust's vision of a state-of-the art system.
Martin St Quinton, chief executive officer of Azzurri Communications, said: "Given the critical nature of a hospital's work, it is vital that staff can communicate effectively, wherever they are working in the building, ensuring the best level of care for patients. The state of the art design of the UCLH facility requires a communications infrastructure in keeping with this ethos. IP telephony is at the leading edge of telecommunications development and enables The Trust to achieve its objective of being the most technologically advanced hospital in Europe. We are incredibly proud to be a part of this project."
Graham Bevington, managing director of Mitel, said: "Mitel is delighted to be working with both Azzurri and the UCLH on this exciting project. The Mitel IP solution is a perfect fit for this innovative leading hospital as convergence holds the promise of changing the rules of delivering healthcare services and ultimately delivering a new model of patient-centred care. Mitel is well established in the health sector and are focusing on bringing the benefits of convergence to the organisation itself and the end user."
Pictures of the new hospital are available at http://www.uclh.org/newhosp/pictures_progress.shtml
About Azzurri Communications
Azzurri Communications was formed in June 2000 with support from 3i and the Bank of Scotland and is currently made up of eleven strategic company acquisitions. Azzurri Communications is one of the largest and leading voice and data resellers and managed service providers in the UK. Annual turnover stands at 90 million. There are 600 employees nation-wide. Headquartered in Newbury, Azzurri currently has sales and support operations in Fareham, London, Kingston, Birmingham, Burnley, Hull, Leeds and East Kilbride.
Backed by leading manufacturers and networks, Azzurri provides solutions that include voice, data, consultancy, networking, digital print and mobile. Azzurri also provides consultancy such as in-depth communications audits for large corporations and comprehensive telecoms management services. For further information visit www.azzurricommunications.com
About Mitel Networks
Mitel Networks is a market-leader for voice, video, and data convergence over broadband networks. With a focus on the user experience, the company delivers advanced communications solutions that are easily customised for individual business needs. Through intuitive desktop appliances and applications, businesses are provided with innovative ways to manage information and resources. Vertical markets benefit from integrated solutions that protect existing investments, while enabling new ways to be more cost effective and productive. Mitel Networks is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada with offices, partners, and resellers worldwide. For more information please visit www.mitel.com
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About UCLH
UCLH is a three star NHS hospital with a reputation for innovation, delivery of NHS Plan targets and providing patient-focused care. It aims to be a world class centre for clinical services, teaching and research and was awarded NHS Foundation status in June 2004. Based in central London, UCLH has eight specialist hospitals, which provide care and treatment for local people, commuters and visitors to London, as well highly specialised services for patients referred from virtually every country in the world.
For further information please contact:
Rebecca Dean
Insight Marketing and Communications
Tel: 01625 500800
Email: rdean@insightmkt.com
Joe Doyle
Azzurri Communications
Tel: 01635 520 360
Email: joe.doyle@azzu.co.uk
Drew Benvie
BCLO PR for Mitel Networks
benvie@bclo.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)117 906 4523
Nina Dally
Mitel Networks
nina_dally@mitel.com
Tel: +44 (0)870 909 2020
© Press Release 2006
