Health services have long relied on information, particularly on patients, to run safely and smoothly. The last government established perhaps the world's biggest civilian computing project, the multi-billion pound NHS National Programme for IT, to establish systems including electronic patient records for 50million people in England — although this has been controversial and slower in delivery than expected.
Those who manage the NHS's information on patients — usually, although not exclusively, through IT — are involved in the profession of informatics. NHS organisations also use IT services, provided in-house and by companies, including those working on the National Programme for IT.
As the demand for healthcare grows, so does the need for better informatics and the relevant IT. The government has said the NHS budget will grow in real terms, but its major reorganisation - with GP consortia to replace primary care trusts, the closure of strategic health authorities and changes in the National Programme – are likely to have an effect on informatics and IT. Meanwhile, the government is also planning to increase the amount of data published online to promote transparency and help patients choose services.
You can discuss the implications for those working in these areas, and obtain advice on how to start or advance your career, through SmartHealthcare.com's first online careers forum. Held in association with Guardian Careers, it will take place on Wednesday 21 July from 1pm to 4pm. Questions can be posted in advance, or asked live during the session.
To join the forum, either to post a question in advance or on the day,
click here.
Panellists
Steve Gold is an expert writer on IT, security and health. He worked for the NHS for 11 years as both a nurse and as an accountant before leaving to pursue a career in journalism. As well as writing regularly for SmartHealthcare.com, he acts as technical editor for Infosecurity magazine.
Mik Horswell initially trained as a healthcare general manager before changing
course after 10 years into the emerging specialism of information management and managed information and IT functions at hospitals and health authorities for a further 10 years. Leaving the NHS at director level, he moved into management consultancy and for 14 years has worked with suppliers and NHS organisations at all levels on strategy and project management of information and communications technology, information governance.
Jenny Jackson is an informatics graduate management trainee within the NHS's Yorkshire and Humber region, nearing the end of the final year of the scheme. Prior to the scheme, she undertook a 12 month placement within health informatics as part of a four year BA Hons Business Studies degree.
Ben Needham is a systems integration manager for iSoft, a health software firm with major software development and systems integration operations in the UK which claims to be the largest supplier of IT to the NHS. A version of its Lorenzo suite of software has been developed specifically for use by NHS trusts, as part of the National Programme for IT.
Alan Simmons is careers consultant for the NHS Careers information service in England. He's been with NHS Careers for 10 years, and has a prior background in providing careers advice to people of all ages and backgrounds, but with a particular focus on school and college students. Alan is a frequent contributor to the Guardian Careers' health forum.
