07 June 2011

'Life Critical' Programme On Way For NI

An international supplier of independent software testing and quality management services, SQS is to provide testing services as part of Sectra's NIPACS project to supply the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS).

SQS Software Quality Systems will supply digital management of all radiology information and images throughout the public healthcare system in Northern Ireland.

"The project was considered 'life critical' as any defect could negatively affect patient's health or potentially result in serious injury or death, so we were brought in to provide risk mitigation," explained Rob McConnell, SQS Regional Director for Northern Ireland, noting that Sectra is one of today's major diagnostic imaging providers and the NIPACS programme integrates two Sectra products and a new Integration Broker module with the existing healthcare and patient administration systems in the Health Trusts.

The Sectra products being integrated are the Radiology Information System (RIS) and the Picture Archiving System (PACS).

The resulting service will provide improved radiology workflow for patients and staff across hospital boundaries.

SQS' role includes the provision of a structured methodology and set of processes to support every stage of testing and ensure that the correct approach be taken to minimise the risk of defects in the system.

(BMcN/KMcA)