VAR Centralis has implemented a Citrix remote access solution for The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

The web-based remote access system, based on a Citrix environment, enables access to vital information across existing sites and new cancer units.

The system will enable the healthcare staff at the new Sir William Rous Unit at Kingston Hospital, which is jointly run by Kingston, The Royal Marsden and Macmillan Cancer Support, to access Royal Marsden applications and outpatient information.

Designed with security layers based on levels of user access and device recognition, sensitive patient records are protected enabling the Trust to meet the security targets set by the NHS.

Additionally, clinicians can now view files such as X-rays, without traffic overburdening existing networks at The Royal Marsden and Kingston sites.

Ewen Anderson, director of Centralis, said: “The quality of patient care provided by The Royal Marsden and its partners is world-class, and it is only right that this is supported by the most effective and resilient IT systems.”

A fire at Trust’s Chelsea site in January 2008 accelerated plans for a remote access system as surgeons needed to access information from nearby hospitals.

“Although the Chelsea fire was not the trigger for implementing a remote access system, it highlighted the need for surgeons and clinicians to be able to view essential information from a variety of locations to continue to deliver the very best care to patients. In a very short space of time the system has moved from proof of concept to NHS best practice,” added Anderson.

The Trust will roll out the system with 30 users and plans for 150 live users over the next three years.

Jon Reed, director of information communication technology at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Previously, enabling healthcare professionals at new sites such as Kingston to have access to Royal Marsden applications was a time-consuming, complex and arduous process.

“By working in close partnership with Centralis, we’ve been able to create a secure remote environment that enables clinicians to have access to the applications they require, but at the same time enforce the highest level of security for confidential patient records.”