Document Management News

The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has cut costs and is reporting a reliable service since moving to COA Solutions’ managed service, part of the COA Solutions on Demand portfolio. The Trust’s COA Solutions financial management system (FMS) with integrated document management (using Version One’s technology) is being managed at COA Solutions’ service centre in Bridgwater. COA Solutions on Demand, which comprises managed and bureau services, was officially launched in 2009.

The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was using a managed service from a different provider prior to May 2009 but recognised the economic benefits of having COA Solutions fully manage its FMS. The transition to COA Solutions’ service was without disruption and the Trust has been reporting reliability of service and cost savings ever since.

Jim Clough, Systems and Project Accountant from The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, says, “With budgets tight, COA Solutions’ managed service offered a more economically appealing alternative to our existing service. We were also keen for the provider of our financial management system to fully manage it for us as they are in the best position to deliver a reliable and quality service. Our anticipated benefits have now been realised as we are experiencing a high level of service at a competitive price.”

With the FMS being fully managed and supported at COA Solutions’ Bridgwater data centre, this removes the risks and costs associated with Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS having an on-site financial software system. Clough explains, “With COA Solutions looking after the day-to-day management and upkeep of our financial management system, this is a huge weight off our mind. We also don’t need to source and allocate internal IT resources as we have COA Solutions’ experienced team at our disposal.”

The Trust’s FMS users access the system through the NHS N3 network. They can then use the system exactly as if it was on-site: accessing, uploading and analysing financial information, producing reports and electronically creating, storing, retrieving, managing and processing financial documents.

Clough says, “It is crucial that we have the ability to access our financial management system five days a week, without interruption. An unreliable service would directly impact the running of the hospital. For instance, if we aren’t able to create purchase orders as and when required, we will be without vital hospital equipment, directly impacting patient care.”
Clough adds, “COA Solutions’ managed service delivers the level of reliability we require, ensuring we continue to provide a high quality service to the North East of England communities.”