NT VDI project wins ACS award

The NT Government’s hospital-based Virtual Desktop Infrastructure project has taken out a prestigious national IT award.

A virtual desktop program that enables Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) staff to spend more time with patients and less time on paperwork has been recognised with a prestigious national IT award.

The Northern Territory’s Virtual Desktop Infrastructure–Supporting Hospital Service Delivery project — implemented by the Department of Corporate and Information Services (DCIS) and the Department of Health — was one of four finalists from 25 national nominations in the Australian Computer Society’s 2018 Digital Disruptor Awards.

The VDI project was technically intricate, with 10 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 project was ‘stress tested’ in the busiest part of the RDH, and its success has seen the technology also introduced to the Palmerston Regional Hospital.

“Territorians deserve access to the best health services and this significant achievement highlights the innovative work of our health and IT sectors that leads to better health outcomes for Territorians,” said the NT Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles.

“RDH Emergency Department sees about 70,000 patients a year and quick access to patient records is vital. Clinicians can access a device up to 200 times during a shift, which can add up to the equivalent of eight FTEs in a year!

“The VDI project introduced cybersecurity improvements and fast-tracked computer access for busy medical staff, freeing up time for bedside care for better health outcomes at Royal Darwin Hospital.”

The NT Minister for Corporate and Information Services, Lauren Moss, said the project “is an excellent example of the Territory leading the nation in virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)… providing a comprehensive secure solution to meet the specific needs of clinicians and ensuring high levels of patient care.

“The national award highlights and recognises the calibre of the local ICT sector and importance of investing in jobs of the future.

NT Government staff leading the project include DCIS officers Adam Smith (Director ICT Enterprise Architecture) and Greg Connors (A/Senior Director, ICT Architecture and Cyber Security), along with the Department of Health’s Godfrey O’Connor (IT Project Manager). RDH’s Associate Professor Didier Palmer led the clinical team collaborating on the project.

Two local professionals from NEC Australia — Wilma Weaver and Lily Kawai — were also national finalists. This was the first time three Territory ICT nominations had made finalist status in the national ACS awards.

The VDI project was also a finalist in the Chief Minister’s Awards for Excellence in the Public Sector in the category ‘Making the NT a Better Place to Live through Innovation’.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Monkey Business

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