PC Coaching to provide NPfIT mobile training

Mobile training provider PC Coaching has signed a framework agreement with Connecting for Health to be the sole provider of mobile training units (MTUs) and trainers across England for the next two years.

The project will focus on helping staff understand and effectively use the new systems being implemented under the National Programme for IT and will be managed by CfH’s Education, Training and Skills Development programme. The financial value of the agreement was not disclosed.

PC Coaching says the project will address the training facility shortage across the NHS for end user training delivery, and ensure that all staff are prepared for when new systems are due to go-live.

They will provide fully equipped MTUs to NHS sites where new NPfIT systems are due to be implemented. These can accommodate up to 12 employees at one time and are capable of connecting to the N3 NHS Network.

Dr Philip Candy, national ETD director says: “MTUs on NHS sites will help minimise disruption to frontline staff by providing training where it is needed, at the right time and in harmony with local system implementation, through a cost-effective solution.”

PC Coaching’s NHS project director, Phil Gray added: “The agreement with NHS CfH makes it easier – and much faster – for NHS trusts to access our mobile training facilities and trainers.

“It ensures the training solution has been quality assured, as well as achieving significant cost savings from procuring nationally, rather than locally.”

Gray told E-Health Insider that with the framework agreement in place, booking MTUs to train staff would be a much simpler process for NHS trusts now.

“We have set up a dedicated NHS account team to deal with bookings and they will ensure that we can provide the best possible service to the trusts by determining how many and what type of units they need as well as basics such as do they need N3 connectivity and trainers – which will help us issue a quotation.

“A member of the team will then meet with the trust and representatives from the LSP and ETD to determine the training requirements, and this is then followed by a site survey for us to get an idea of the requirements and space needed for the unit, and once all this is determined we can begin the training process and offer ongoing support from then.”

A spokesperson from CfH told EHI: “We look forward to working in partnership with PC Coaching. The agreement simplifies booking mobile training units, which have been quality assured and approved for use across the NHS.”