NHSX, NHS Digital and Microsoft have today announced Microsoft Teams will be made available for free for three months.
Microsoft Teams, a communication and collaboration platform will now be free to all NHS organisations, providing online web chat, video conferencing and planning tools.
NHS Digital said NHS organisations will have access to Microsoft Teams to facilitate instant messaging and audio and video calling to support remote working in response to the recent COVID-19 outbreak. It said it will also help deliver front-line services while working remotely.
The service will be enabled for NHSmail users this week, and is also available to some healthcare providers who do not use NHSmail.
The roll-out will be supported by NHS Digital, with a resources and knowledge base published to support adoption.
Osman Bhatti, CCIO, East London Health & Care Partnership commented “Finally some collaborative work can occur at scale.”
“Still some issues to sort out eg mailbox sizes and creation of teams through NHSMail portal, but we’re getting there! Would be good to share learning and experiences with others.”
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.”
For further details and training information please view the resources page here.
Details on costings after the three month free period have not been published.
