Bernard is based in the North of England and has been working with ThinkShield for the past year, working with the NHS Trusts to establish how they can deploy technology effectively.

I understand that you have a wealth of experience in the Healthcare sector. Could you tell me a bit about your background?

My first sales to the NHS were in the early 80s with data comms equipment – modems, multiplexers, data switches – then large Open Network systems in Hospitals. In the 90s I provided desktop software to enable users to access different Hospital systems based on IBM, ICL and Unix network protocols. In 1994 I sold my first Interface Engines to Hospitals, and have dealt uniquely with the NHS ever since. I joined SeeBeyond – then known as Software Technologies Corporation – in 1997, and have dealt with SeeBeyond products and services ever since.

We're seeing lots of change in the NHS, and technology is playing its part. Where do you think the biggest benefits are to be gained?

Thousands of NHS patients die unnecessarily every year simply because some vital information, allergy to the prescribed drug; mistaken identity; is not provided to the doctor or nurse at the bedside. Usually in these cases most or all relevant information is available somewhere in the Hospital systems, and could be made securely available at the point of need by good integration systems.

You're now doing some work for ThinkShield. What is your role?

My role is to enable Thinkshield to help the many users of SeeBeyond to deploy the technology effectively by product support and systems development.

Why ThinkShield, from your perspective?

Thinkshield offers a high level of expertise in integration services and systems, including SeeBeyond and several other reputable offerings, and has developed a reputation for reliable delivery.

Finally, if you had only one gadget, what would it be and why?