A free conferencing and messaging app will be freely available for a limited time for the NHS to reduce the risks associated with COVID-19.
NHS colleagues will be able to message, audio and video call each other with the help of Microsoft Teams. This service will enable NHS colleagues to communicate with each other, giving advice and help each other during the coronavirus outbreak whilst reducing contact and spread of the virus.
The service was rolled out by NHS Digital in middle March and Microsoft announced that all NHs organisations will have access to this tool.
The organisations who don’t use NHSmail can apply directly to Microsoft and also have free access to the Teams tool. NHS Digital’s NHSmail support site will also be fully accessible to help them implement Microsoft Teams locally.
Ian Phoenix, Director of Technology at NHS Digital said: “Technology is key to supporting patients who are self-isolating and makes sure they have the information they need and access to medical support and advice. For doctors and NHS staff this means that working remotely becomes much easier and more practical.”
Cindy Rose, CEO, Microsoft UK says; “Microsoft is fully committed to assisting the NHS at this incredibly challenging time. The use of Microsoft Teams will ensure the hardworking doctors, nurses and support staff across all NHS organisations have the collaboration tools they need to carry out their vital work. We are hugely appreciative of their ongoing efforts to tackle COVID-19 and will continue to provide support however best we can.”
Article source: https://digital.nhs.uk/news-and-events/news/messaging-tool-for-nhs-to-support-remote-working-during-coronavirus-outbreak
