What does your job entail?
I am responsible for creating the right working environment – one that ensures that large-scale strategic medical IT projects are deployed safely. I do this by providing clear leadership to an enthusiastic and engaged IT team that works closely with the clinicians. My main responsibility is to devise an IT strategy based on the board’s requirements and then implement it.

What was your first job?
I was a medical scientist working at the RAF Institute of Aviation Medicine in Farnborough.

How did you get into IT?
I was given the task of training 800 doctors and nurses in IT for advanced cardiac life support. I then applied for an MoD interchange programme that arranged for medical scientists to work in the IT industry. After that I joined HP as an IT manager.

What are the biggest challenges you face?
Creating operational IT stability in a large NHS Trust with a turnover of £200m is a daily challenge. I am constantly looking to increase the resilience of the infrastructure and support our clinicians.

What keeps you up at night?
The idea of a major clinical system failing on a busy day. This worries me because it would affect patients directly. It’s my job to ensure this doesn’t happen.

Which IT qualifications have proved most useful to you in your career?
Prince 2 project management training has been more useful than networking or server management skills.

Which IT vendor has had the most influence over your career?
Recently, I have been very impressed with Ensemble from InterSystems. The company has really innovative concepts in clinical systems integration, and its Trust integration engine is deployed at Mid Essex NHS Trust. Microsoft is also on the right path with its version of the Gartner Infrastructure Maturity Model. This is helping NHS IT directors to map where a Trust needs to be in the next three to four years.

Is now a good time to embark on a career in IT?
Yes, definitely. The market is growing and there is always room for good talent.