Over the past 18 months the NHS has faced unprecedented demand and pressures due to COVID-19 . The response to the pandemic was launched on many fronts - treating the ill , test and trace to minimise the spread of the virus and then the vaccine program .
Scotland faced unique challenges in trying to manage at pace such a geographically disperse population , so it remained imperative that NHS Scotland had the ability to rapidly record and process data in real time .
With NHS Scotland facing such an urgent problem , we approached them with a solution : working with Apple to acquire 1,600 iPads , which we then deployed with connectivity , dedicated software , mobile device management , logistics , support and crucially , network security , in partnership with Check Point Software Technologies .
The iPads allow NHS staff to easily and securely record people who have registered for the vaccine , update details to the central database ( via wifi and our 4G network ), record which vaccine they ’ ve had and when their next appointment is due . We manage the full solution under our Digital Workplace portfolio , so they don ’ t have to - allowing NHS staff to focus on their day-today work . Updates are immediate , ensuring that everyone always has the very latest information – essential for an effective , fast-moving rollout .
Working closely with Check Point , we were able to ensure that the security embedded in this deployment aligned to what NHS Scotland uses in other areas - every device needs to be locked down , secure and protected from a malware , spam and data security perspective .
With time ticking away , we distributed iPads all around the country in the three weeks leading up to Christmas , with Logan Air stepping in to deliver to the Islands on Christmas Eve . We ramped this up to 2,750 iPads by the end of January , ensuring NHS Scotland could get up to their full capacity of vaccination efforts .
The programme was a direct aid to helping to put Scotland at the top of the European vaccination league .
By Simeon Maurer O2 Business - Client Manager , Scotland
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