Connecting for Health (CfH) is to tackle training shortages for NHS staff to support the roll out of the National Programme for IT (NPfIT).

PC Coaching is to be the sole provider of mobile training units and trainers to aid the programme. It has signed a two year framework agreement, which will be managed by CfH's Education Training and Development (ETD).

"The shortage of such skills is an immediate risk to the timely implementation of the programme, and strengthening capacity in these areas will be a long-term asset for the NHS." CfH said: "A vital part of this project is the education, training and skills development of NHS staff. We recognise the importance of helping them to understand and effectively use the new IT systems being implemented." CfH national ETD director said: "Mobile training units on NHS sites will provide training where and when it is needed, in harmony with local system implementation. Using these units will help to minimise disruption to frontline staff and provide a cost effective solution to meet training needs." The training sites will range from specially modified coaches to custom built units accommodating eight to 12 people. They can also be connected to the NHS National Network N3.

This article was originally published at Kablenet.

Kablenet's GC weekly is a free email newsletter covering the latest news and analysis of public sector technology. To register click here.

Related stories

• Academics compile 'encyclopaedia of concerns' about NPfIT (23 January 2007)
• NHS IT chief failed computer studies course (13 November 2006)
• iSoft costing Staffs hospital dear (16 October 2006)
• CfH eyes NPfIT supplier catalogue (10 October 2006)
• MPs condemn NHS IT (8 September 2006)
• NAO to re-review NPfIT (5 September 2006)
• Nurses bemoan lack of IT training (22 August 2006)
• Review criticises software for NPfIT (22 August 2006)
• NAO rebuts BBC claims on NHS IT (19 August 2006)
• MP says NHS IT should be flushed (8 August 2006)
• Senior figures call for NHS IT audit (11 April 2006)
• NPfIT still failing to engage doctors (5 August 2005)
• GPs have no faith in £6bn NHS IT programme (8 February 2005)