Local health staff are putting on their L plates and driving down the information super highway. The Welsh Assembly's 'Informing Healthcare.
Access to Learning' project is providing free computer training for NHS workers throughout Wales. Supported by a team of trainers and using a new on-line learning system, staff at the Pembrokeshire and Derwen Trust are clicking their way towards a European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL).
This international qualification will equip them for working with new technologies that will help improve patient care. Staff from all disciplines are taking part and feedback is very positive.
Sarah Brain, who works in administration, said: "My job is getting more closely linked with different aspects of computer work and I felt ECDL could give me the help I needed. I am now on my fourth module and am surprised how much I am learning and how much more I am using computers at work and at home."
From the doctor's perspective, Mike Bartlett, urologist at Withybush Hospital, said: "The ECDL is giving me a structured programme to learn about computers and what they can do. This will enable me to store and retrieve information for clinical audit purposes, and also to present it clearly when it's needed."