10 March 2025

This new space is dedicated to providing NHS employees with essential digital skills training and improving accessibility to vital tech resources. Through this collaboration, both organizations aim to enhance the Trust’s digital capabilities, improve patient outcomes, and empower staff with state-of-the-art technology.

Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust serves 1.3 million residents in Greater Manchester, providing mental health, learning disability, and autism services across 88 sites. A recent digital maturity assessment revealed that PCFT ranked among the lowest in digital maturity within Greater Manchester, underscoring an urgent need for transformative change. Recognizing the potential benefits of next-generation connectivity and digital upskilling, the Trust enlisted Virgin Media O2 Business to assist in upgrading its connectivity, implementing cybersecurity measures, and establishing digital skills training hubs.

As part of its comprehensive digital strategy, PCFT has launched three Digital Care Hubs, with the Birch Hill Hospital hub in Rochdale being the latest addition. This hub offers walk-in tech support and training for NHS staff, serving as a one-stop shop for digital needs ranging from immediate IT assistance to skills development. Findings from Virgin Media O2 Business indicate that 86% of NHS professionals advocate for increased investment in digital skills for the NHS workforce. Through this investment, the Birch Hill Digital Hub aims to empower its staff to utilize online resources confidently while delivering high-quality patient care.

“Technology plays an essential role in our daily operations, and swift solutions are necessary to ensure seamless patient care when issues arise,” said Monique Duffy-Brogan, Chief Information Officer at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust. “By investing in enhanced connectivity, cybersecurity, and digital skills training, we are equipping our staff with the necessary tools to provide even better care. Our partnership with Virgin Media O2 Business is transforming how we operate, minimizing administrative barriers, and allowing our clinicians to focus on what truly matters — our patients.”

This partnership has also facilitated significant upgrades to PCFT’s IT infrastructure, ushering in a faster, more secure, and reliable digital environment for both staff and patients. With the support of Virgin Media O2 Business, the Trust has transitioned to a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN), which improves WiFi reliability across all sites and enables clinicians to access patient information seamlessly. A zero-trust cybersecurity model has also been implemented to safeguard sensitive patient data against cyber threats.

With the addition of over 4,100 new mobile connections, staff can now securely access and update patient records in real-time, minimizing delays and allowing for greater focus on patient care. Furthermore, Virgin Media O2 Business has introduced a managed patient WiFi network, improving the patient experience by keeping them connected with loved ones and providing entertainment during their stay in care. These enhancements streamline operations, reduce technological frustrations, and foster a more efficient, digitally confident workforce.

“The demands on NHS staff have never been greater, and access to reliable digital tools and training is essential for delivering efficient, high-quality care. Our partnership with Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust goes beyond mere technology upgrades; it’s about empowering a digitally confident workforce. We are committed to providing the support, hands-on tech assistance, and training needed to navigate an increasingly digital healthcare landscape with ease. Virgin Media O2 Business is proud to play a pivotal role in modernizing NHS services, driving innovative solutions, and shaping the future of healthcare to enhance experiences for both staff and patients,” said Martin McFadyen, Director of Enterprise and Public Sector at Virgin Media O2 Business.