Working with the NHS

The Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Who are the trust

Our vision is to improve health and well-being for people of all ages across the Black Country. In Sandwell and Wolverhampton, we care for and support people of all ages who have mental health needs. We provide a range of specialist health services for people with learning disabilities in Dudley, Walsall, Sandwell and Wolverhampton. We also provide community healthcare services for children, young people and families in Dudley.

What did they need

They needed maximum security 100% WiFi coverage through each building across the region for staff with full seamless roaming capability and good signal strength everywhere and Internet access.

What did we do

Provided a UTM (Unified Threat Management) based system and controller incorporating WiFi access point controllers and associated connectivity, full training including direct to vendor for the trusts internal technical staff. Consultancy and on-going third line support and initial configuration / design.

Technologies deployed

• AD Integration with Multi-factor authentication (certificates, fobs etc...) and walled gardens
• UTM including (Anti-virus, Malware Detection, Intrusion Protection, Web Filtering and site protection)
• Central management and reporting engines
• Fibre Ethernet Internet Access
• WiFi Access points and controllers
• Secure and authenticated patient Internet Access
• Total cross network security and scanning (protecting them both externally and internally from threats)

Results and additional benefits

We achieved and surpassed all the initial requirements and the system has now grown over time into far much more. Although not within the original design and remit the UTM security layer we deployed and capabilities surpassed that of the incumbent Checkpoint external firewalls and solutions and as a result the project was expanded to do just that.

The project was delivered on time and within budget but had the long term benefit of allowing removal of the Checkpoint security solution at a significant cost saving to the trust.

How do they feel

"The Trust has worked with Internet Central since 2015, they have planned, designed and successfully delivered  a full Firewall rollout, replacing legacy systems, incorporating wireless connectivity at all major Trust sites concurrently, without detriment to service at our Health sites.
 
More recently Internet Central have assisted us with a firewall refresh program providing technical expertise and implementing best industry practice, their product pricing and professional service is very competitive, we have an excellent working relationship with Internet Central."