Manchester-based UKFast has been formally accredited by NHS Digital to act as a supplier for the Health and Social Care Network (HSCN).
This development marks a significant evolution in the realm of NHS connectivity, replacing the older N3 network.
Manchester-based UKFast has been formally accredited by NHS Digital to act as a supplier for the Health and Social Care Network (HSCN).
This development marks a significant evolution in the realm of NHS connectivity, replacing the older N3 network.
The HSCN initiative aims to modernise NHS connectivity. It allows more organisations to interact and deliver high-quality, data-driven services. N3 has served well, but the shift to HSCN is timely, as it encourages a more efficient and advanced infrastructure.
According to Martin Knapp, head of the public sector at UKFast, “HSCN is an incredible opportunity to deliver hosting and cloud services directly to healthcare clients, significantly enhancing the efficiency of health and social care organisations.”
One of the standout benefits of HSCN is that it opens up the market. It allows Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to contribute innovative solutions to the NHS, a sector that has been relatively difficult to penetrate before.
When clients connect to UKFast’s HSCN, they gain immediate access to a government-accredited cloud and infrastructure. This is a first.
UKFast is not a novice in engaging with government frameworks. They have approval to supply an extensive range of services, including cloud hosting, disaster recovery, SaaS products, cybersecurity services, and CDN.
This comprehensive range of services highlights the company’s capability in addressing various needs within the public sector, further solidifying its role as a pivotal player in NHS connectivity enhancement.
Lawrence Jones, CEO of UKFast, emphasises the potential for new technologies such as AI, big data, and machine learning to be integrated into the NHS through HSCN.
These technologies can be accessed instantaneously using burstable cloud facilities, something that was not possible with the older N3 network.
A critical factor for the NHS is the localisation of sensitive patient data. Connecting HSCN to UK-based data centres ensures data security and compliance with local regulations.
Lawrence Jones highlights the increasing demand for a British public sector cloud provider, noting that they tripled their public sector revenue last year.
Accreditation as an HSCN connectivity supplier marks a milestone for UKFast, reinforcing its position in the public sector.
The transition from N3 to HSCN is not just a technological upgrade; it represents a significant leap towards a more connected, efficient, and innovative NHS.
Accreditation as an HSCN connectivity supplier marks a milestone for UKFast, reinforcing its position in the public sector.
The transition from N3 to HSCN is not just a technological upgrade; it represents a significant leap towards a more connected, efficient, and innovative NHS.