The Department of Corporate and Information Services and the Department of Health have taken out a prestigious national award for a virtual desktop program that enables hospital staff to spend more time with patients and less time on paperwork.
The Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Supporting Hospital Service Delivery project was one of four finalists from 25 national nominations at the National Australian Computer Society Digital Disruptor Award.
The award is a first for the Territory.
NT Government staff leading the project include Department of Corporate and Information Service officers, Adam Smith, Director ICT Enterprise Architecture and Greg Connors, A/Senior Director, ICT Architecture and Cyber Security and Godfrey OConnor, IT Project Manager, Department of Health. A/Professor Didier Palmer led the clinical team collaborating on the project.
The project was stress tested in the busiest part of the Hospital and its success has seen the technology also introduced to the Palmerston Regional Hospital.
The VDI project was technically complex, with ten different products configured to provide tap on-tap off, rapid six second logon, hot desking, auditable access and other technology benefits for staff, and improved security of patient information.
VDI enables hospital staff to spend more time with patients and less time with technology, impacting positively on patient care.
Two local professionals from IT firm, NEC Australia - Ms Wilma Weaver and Miss Lily Kawai - were also national finalists.
This is the first time three Territory ICT nominations have made finalist status in the national ACS awards, showcasing the calibre of the local ICT sector.
As stated by Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles
Territorians deserve access to the best health services and this significant achievement highlights the innovative work of our health and IT sectors that leads to better health outcomes for Territorians.
RDH Emergency Department sees about 70,000 patients a year and quick access to patient records is vital. Clinicians can access a device up to 200 times during a shift which can add up to the equivalent of eight FTEs in a year!
The VDI project introduced cyber security improvements and fast-tracked computer access for busy medical staff, freeing up time for bedside care for better health outcomes at Royal Darwin Hospital.
As stated by Minister for Corporate and Information Services, Lauren Moss
Congratulations to the Department of Corporate and Information Services and the Department of Health on winning the National Australian Computer Society Digital Disruptor Award for the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure project last night.
This is an excellent example of the Territory leading the nation in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Emergency Department implementation providing a comprehensive secure solution to meet the specific needs of clinicians and ensuring high levels of patient care.
The national award highlights and recognises the calibre of the local ICT sector and importance of investing in jobs of the future.
The VDI project is also a finalist in tonights Chief Ministers Awards for Excellence in the Public Sector in the award category - Making the NT a Better Place to Live through Innovation.
