NHS Foundation Trust to receive updated internal network system from Torchbox.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust has announced the launch of a new intranet platform, built using Wagtail NHS Intranet. This innovative solution is designed to streamline internal communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing across the trust, ultimately improving staff engagement and operational efficiency.
The project, led by Torchbox Public, aims to provide a consistent experience for all staff members across multiple sites, including five hospitals and 23 local community health centres, serving over 23,600 employees.
Lindsay Gormley, Head of digital and content at Guy’s and St Thomas’, expressed the purpose of the new intranet, stating, "We want to make it easier for everyone to connect and access the information they need to deliver high-quality and compassionate care." The new platform will transform internal communications, offering a single, easy-to-use, fully accessible digital space for staff.
The intranet will be built on Wagtail NHS Intranet, an open-source platform developed by Torchbox specifically for NHS organizations. This choice allows the Trust to benefit from a cost-effective solution while ensuring flexibility for future enhancements.
Torchbox Public has previously successfully implemented this solution for multiple healthcare providers, eliminating ongoing license fees and improving staff communication, information access, and operational efficiency. Ben Heasman, Client Partner at Torchbox, expressed excitement about the project, stating, "A well-designed intranet can break down barriers, improve efficiency, and contribute to better patient care."
The new intranet will focus on accessibility, effective information discovery, and intuitive navigation to support staff in their daily work. It will feature an intuitive content management system, personalised user experiences, advanced search functionality, and collaborative tools. The platform will also integrate seamlessly with existing NHS IT systems and offer single sign-on (SSO) via NHS credentials for secure, convenient access.
The solution has been made possible through initial support from Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and continues to evolve through collaborations with other trusts, including Gloucestershire NHS. As the project progresses, Guy’s and St Thomas’ aims to create a central digital space where staff can connect with each other and leadership, enhancing communication across the organization.
The new intranet is expected to bring numerous benefits, including improved communication, enhanced staff engagement, time savings, better collaboration, greater accessibility, and a scalable, future-proof platform. With its user-friendly design and focus on accessibility, the new intranet will undoubtedly contribute to the Trust's ongoing mission of delivering high-quality and compassionate care.
Digital health and technology will play significant roles in the new intranet platform, as it is designed to enhance staff communication, information access, and operational efficiency. This seamless digital space for staff, built using Wagtail NHS Intranet, will serve as a key tool in delivering high-quality and compassionate patient care. The health-and-wellness of patients can also benefit from the improved staff engagement and operational efficiency facilitated by the intranet's intuitive navigation, collaborative tools, and seamless integration with existing NHS IT systems.
