NHS to be banned from using fax machines

The government has ordered the NHS to stop purchasing fax machines from next month in a bid the phase them out completely by 31 March 2020. The news comes after the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) revealed in July this year that nearly 9,000 fax machines were in use across the NHS in England. This led to concern over the security of confidential data as well as patient safety. More modern communication methods are now said to be needed, and secure email and managed document services could be favourable alternatives. Richard Kerr, chair of the RCS’s commission on the future of surgery, said it is “crucial” that the health service invests in “better ways of communicating the vast amount of patient information that is going to be generated” in the future. SCC offers innovative, safe and effective ways of communicating for businesses and public sector organisations. Our Managed Document Services give healthcare organisations improved data management, accessibility and collaboration capabilities. Patient record scanning services help digitise patient/medical records, allowing them to better and more securely attach themselves to clinical workflows and more fully integrate with clinical systems. We’re partnering with healthcare organisations now to help digitally transform them. Find out how we can help you.