Hospital staff train for computer "driving licence"
Hospital staff train for computer "driving licence"
Whipps Cross University Hospital, north London, has become a technology-training test centre which will train its entire staff in a range of information-technology skills, leading to the European Computer Driving Licence(ECDL) qualification.
As no prior knowledge of IT is needed, ECDL is seen as particularly suitable for those who wish to gain an introductory qualification in computing. It can help them to embrace new technology and systems within their current job or to enhance their career prospects.
Pete Bayley, director of ECDL UK, commented: "Test-centre status means that Whipps Cross Hospital is now able to support its staff-development programme of computer use. This programme will be crucial to supporting patient services in the future. Patient and staff records will become more automated and accessible, so it will be vital for staff working in the service to have adequate skills at dealing with electronic information."
Robert Shipman, trust leader for education and training, commented: "We are one of around 120 trusts in Britain to gain test-centre status, and this puts us at the forefront of IT education and training for health-service staff in line with the government's proposed IT investment programme for the public-health sector.
"The ECDL qualification will be the backbone of all future education and training initiatives in the modern health service, providing staff with the skills needed to go into a paperless hospital. The ECDL will improve patient care and patient access to information, so they will become better informed."
