Computer firm wins health IT contract worth up to £70m

The British Department of Health has awarded a contract worth up to £70m (€77.5m) to Hewlett-Packard for a new IT system to modernise the technology which handles hospital patient administration systems.

The contract is an enabling framework which allows Health and Social Care (HSC) organisations to procure ICT equipment and services for a number of projects in hospitals across the North.

The framework has an estimated value of between £10m (€11m) and £70m (€77.5m) over its four-year period.

The actual value will depend on how many projects are procured using the framework.

The department said having the contract in place would drive up efficiency across the health and social care sector.

As the contract was signed, health minister Michael McGimpsey said: “Like any modern organisation, Health and Social Care relies on information technology in order to provide an efficient and effective business.

“Information technology is used to support a number of front line services such as theatre management, cancer screening and ambulance booking. These are vital services and as such must run smoothly to ensure people get the right care and treatment.”

The minister said that with Hewlett-Packard as a technological partner, HSC would have improved access to a broad range of goods and services, all of which would be providing help.

Martin Murphy, managing director of HP Ireland, added: “The exciting thing about this project is that HP will play a vital role in making a contribution through technology to the delivery of quality health care in Northern Ireland.

“Under this framework, HP will provide professional services, products and partner point solutions to Health and Social Care regional projects in Northern Ireland, enabling them to better adapt to today’s demand and meet future challenges.”

Mr Murphy said by harnessing global reach, groundbreaking innovation and best practices, HP was able to ensure that technology solutions delivered were best in class.“