A Territory born idea that will enable hospital staff spend more time with patients and less time on paperwork has taken out a prestigious national award.
The Northern Territory Government’s Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) project at Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) was one of four finalists at the National Australian Computer Society (ACS) Digital Disruptor Award.
The award which is a first for the Territory, highlights the innovative work of our health and IT sectors that is paving the way for better health outcomes for Territorians.
RDH Emergency Department sees around 70,000 patients a year so quick access to patient records is vital, clinicians can access a device up to 200 times a day during a shift which can add up to the equivalent of eight FTEs in a year.
The VDI project is 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.
The VDI project has also been ‘stress tested’ in the busiest part of the hospital and its success has seen the technology introduced to the Palmerston Regional Hospital.
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.
*Northern Territory Government staff leading the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure 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 O’Connor, IT Project Manager, Department of Health. A/Professor Didier Palmer led the clinical team collaborating on the project.