HL7 UK takes to the road with the DH

HL7 UK is to hold a series of free roadshows in May and June to promote healthcare interoperability.

The events, which are to be held in Manchester, Birmingham and London, are aimed at NHS IT professionals.

They will discuss the information implications of the ‘Liberating the NHS’ white paper, and the benefits of the Department of Health’s interoperability toolkit (ITK).

They will also feature case studies from the NHS, vendor presentations on middleware and integration products and services, and the benefits of taking a standards-based approach.

The first event, in Manchester on 25 May, will be a joint event with the Department of Health.

The morning session will be hosted by HL7 UK and feature NHS and vendor presentations of recent case studies based around the sharing of clinical information.

The afternoon session, organised by the Department of Health and open to the NHS members only, will feature the ITK user group meeting.

The two June roadshows – in Birmingham on 10 June and in London on 17 June – will be expanded versions of the half-day HL7 programme.

Andrew Hinchley of HL7 UK said: “To see examples of where interoperability is working, and to have the opportunity to listen to the challenges faced and overcome, is of great benefit and reassurance to those about to embark on such a journey.

“Previous Roadshows have been very well received and having the DH involved this time only adds to the wealth of knowledge and experience available to attendees.”

The events are sponsored by InterSystems, Orion Health and Open Mapping Software. Further information on the events and registration details are available on the HL7 UK website.