Norweb Telecom said it
is doubling the size of the TRUSTnet project, a high-capacity network that
enables multimedia traffic to pass between NHS centres in the northwest
of England.
Set up in conjunction with Manchester Acute Trusts, TRUSTnet is a
sophisticated virtual private network (VPN) that links 20 sites
including hospitals, medical schools and universities in Merseyside,
Lancashire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester.
“The success of the network has been phenomenal and, as more and
more hospitals join TRUSTnet, the benefits for existing members increase,”
said Duncan Brown, TRUSTnet manager for Norweb Telecom.
“The NHS has very high-tech communications needs, including
videoconferencing and tele-medicine applications, which can prove
costly. Norweb Telecom offers the NHS the very latest technology
at affordable rates.”
Among the institutions currently joining TRUSTnet are leading
specialist cancer centre The Christie NHS Trust, Crewe Hospital,
Bury Healthcare Trust, Royal Oldham Hospital, University Hospital
Aintree, South Manchester University NHS Trust, Stepping Hill
Hospital and Cherry Tree Hospital.
TRUSTnet members get free inter-site calls, fast digital
communications, conference calling between sites, and several
other tangible benefits.
Speaking from South Manchester University NHS Trust, Jane Thomas
said that by switching to Norweb Telecom and joining TRUSTnet
two more major hospitals now had the benefit of a direct link
with the university. Improved communications included free voice
and data transmissions, as well as free calls to other hospitals.
Norweb Telecom provides PSTN lines, Centrex, leased lines, ISDN,
and Internet services to businesses and public institutions.