A number of expanding GP premises and an array of printers that had come to the end of their lifespan meant that Southwark PCT needed a new range of machines.

 

Along with the usual administration requirements of GP practices, consulting rooms and reception areas, such as printing patient records and correspondence, there was a need for printers that had a dedicated tray for prescription paper. They also needed to be compatible with a number of clinical software packages such as EMIS, In Practice Systems, iSoft and Seetec.

 

From working for the NHS for 10 years, Southwark PCT’s ICT Technical Manager, Huseyin Rezvan had observed that most GP practices were using Brother machines, primarily because they have a track-record of being reliable and compatible with the specialist software they use on a daily basis. So he approached Brother to advise on the best printer to meet the trusts needs.

Brother recommended its HL-5240 mono laser printers as the model comes equipped with a dedicated tray for prescription printing, have the option of additional trays for general use and a rapid 28 page per minute speed. They are also fully compliant with the appropriate clinical software suppliers. 

 

A separate toner and drum system means that the PCT can save money on running costs, when the toner cartridge needs replacing the user only needs to buy a new toner and not remove the drum each time reducing cost and waste. A ‘save toner’ option also reduces print cost per page by 30% when printing draft documents, significantly increasing the life of the toner cartridge.

 

The printer also comes with good environmental credentials, having gained TCO ’99, one of the world’s toughest green standards. The TCO ‘99 badge provides clear identification that the printer is not only good for employee health and safety, but it improves environmental performance by labelling printer parts for easy recycling at ‘end of life’.

The trust’s ICT Technical Manager, Huseyin Rezvan has been integrating the new printers across the PCT’s practices. He said: “The major issue for us is to ensure that the printers installed are able to work with our clinical software suppliers to ensure minimum disruption. The Brother machines are fully compliant and have been proven to be so for many years so we have peace of mind that we’ll have no problems.

 

“The new printers will also enable us to print barcodes as the resolution of 1200x1200dpi is higher than the minimum quality we require for barcode printing.

 

“We have been aware of the green credentials that come on selected Brother machines, and were pleased to see that the new HL-5240’s are TCO ’99 accredited, which is a benefit to not only the environment but also our staff.

 

“For a number of years I’ve been impressed with Brother’s aftercare service and every new machine has come with its own one year on-site warranty. When a query has arisen in the past we have received the support we need, and occasionally, a technical support engineer has been on-site.”