iCAD upgrade

In November we will be upgrading our iCAD to the latest version available. iCAD is the system we use to manage 999 calls in our three EOCs. This upgrade will provide the Trust with one of the most technically up-to-date CAD technologies, making sure we can provide the best possible service to our patients. 

To minimise the impact on EOC staff, we are configuring the new iCAD so it will look and feel very similar to the existing system. However, we are finalising the training plan which will see all EOC staff trained on the new system – more details of the training schedule will follow soon. 

Some of the benefits of in improving the iCAD system include: 

• CAD freezes issue should be reduced.
• The problem with flickering unit monitors will be fixed.
• A quicker throughput of events and a significant increase in reliability and improved performance for users.
• The Trust can take advantage of additional functionality in the future.
• Availability of better address data.
• A more resilient IT platform which will be more efficient. 

In addition, some of the systems and software we currently run on have reached the end of the support we get from suppliers.  By upgrading our iCAD we will have the latest system with the best support. 

What will be different? 

• The look and feel of tables in the pending queue, unit and event monitors will be slightly modified. 
• There will be a new ‘NHS Number’ field on the I/Dispatcher Screen. 
• The Recommend Unit function is enhanced which will provide dispatchers with better information to assist their decision making processes. 

Once the new upgrade has 'bedded in' it will provide us with the opportunity to look at any new additional features available that will assist EOC staff to continue to provide the best service to patients. 

When is it happening?

Go live is scheduled to take place on the night of 4^th November into the early hours of the 5^th Nov. We are currently developing an operational plan to ensure we can maintain our service to patients. This will involve having more managers and super users in each EOC, along with more resources on the road. Again, more details about this will follow.

Got a question?

We have a group of ‘super users’ in each EOC.  These are staff that have already seen, and been trained in, the new system.  If you have any questions please talk to them. 

Watch out for further updates in Need to Know, but in the meantime if you have any questions please email icadupgrade@eastamb.nhs.uk.