Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Video | Agriculture | Confidence | Economy | Energy | Employment | Finance | Media | Property | RBNZ | Science | SOEs | Tax | Technology | Telecoms | Tourism | Transport | Search

 

Single National Technology Contract To Support Public Health Agencies

A single national contract to deliver Microsoft services has been negotiated to provide the health and disability system’s new entities with the IT and software services they need, says Ministry of Health Group Manager Digital Strategy and Investment Data and Digital, Darren Douglass.

The deal between the Ministry of Health and Microsoft will support reform of the health and disability system and deliver a number of benefits, including $27 million in savings during the agreement’s three-year term and improvements in the health system’s cyber-security protection and resilience.

The Ministry has contracted Spark Health to execute the Microsoft agreement.

The Microsoft agreement, worth an estimated $45 million annually, will cover the Ministry, Health NZ, Māori Health Authority, and district health boards (DHBs) and their shared service agencies. Taking effect from 12 November 2021, the Ministry will manage both the Microsoft and the Spark Health LSP contracts on behalf of the health sector.

“It makes sense to take a more strategic approach across health agencies as we move to a new operating model for the health and disability system,” says Darren Douglass.

“That way we can get the most value from our investment for the benefit of health care for New Zealanders. Technology is a key enabler for the reforms and these arrangements give Health New Zealand and the Māori Health Authority the tools they need right from the start.”

Government agencies typically contract individually with Microsoft under a single All-of-Government Head Agreement negotiated by the Department of Internal Affairs every three years. This agreement was due for renewal this year and as part of the renewal process a health sector-specific variation was negotiated to provide the health sector with additional concessions. During those negotiations the Ministry of Health and DHB CIOs decided to consolidate Microsoft licence arrangements as part of the renewal process and develop a shared strategic roadmap to maximise value from the investment and ensure consistency in the use of Microsoft technology across health agencies.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“The new contract offers the public greater confidence in the technology systems and services being used across the health and disability system,” says Darren Douglass.

“No matter where you live, you’ll know that your hospital or other publicly-funded health provider will be able to draw on the best available tools to keep you well. A lot of this technology underpins the digital services provided to primary and community health organisations, so it makes sense to be consistent.”

The agreement also includes the increased deployment of Microsoft cyber security technology across health agencies which will improve protection and resilience to cyberattacks on health systems and services.

 

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Business Headlines | Sci-Tech Headlines

 
GenPro: General Practices Begin Issuing Clause 14 Notices

GenPro has been copied into a rising number of Clause 14 notices issued since the NZNO lodged its Primary Practice Pay Equity Claim against General Practice employers in December 2023.More

SPADA: Screen Industry Unites For Streaming Platform Regulation & Intellectual Property Protections

In an unprecedented international collaboration, representatives of screen producing organisations from around the world have released a joint statement.More

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.