Isosec introduces first Virtual Smartcard for NHS Trusts and clinicians

Isosec, the market-leading provider of security, authentication and workflow solutions to the NHS and Healthcare sectors, today announces the launch and availability of the first Virtual Smartcard for NHS Trusts and clinicians. Virtual Smartcard by Isosec is already in use with the Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and available to NHS organizations with immediate effect.

Virtual Smartcard gives access to digital records

This is the latest of a series of innovations from Isosec. The Isosec Virtual Smartcard virtualizes the physical NHS smartcard into the cloud, allowing NHS clinicians to access their clinical workspace using not only their desktop, but almost any device (iPad/iPhone/Android/Windows) whilst maintaining required levels of security. Virtual Smartcard works with all NHS Smartcards, HR cards and RFID tags. Isosec Virtual Smartcard can also authenticate using biometrics (fingerprint) on those devices that are enabled.

Isosec’s Virtual Smartcard leverages the strength of the existing RA process and eliminates any inefficiencies. Known as eGIF Level 3, Virtual Smartcard mandates a strong identity check of the person requesting a smartcard.

“Isosec and the Virtual Smartcard has solved a huge problem for us and actually directly impacted our patient care. We’re getting nurses turning up, getting what they need to access the system straight away, getting the right training at the right time, in the right place so that they can get on with delivering the care that they need to deliver. I highly recommend this technology to any NHS organization.” Tom Davidson, ICT Director, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

The Isosec Virtual Smartcard addresses a multitude of inefficiencies the NHS is currently facing from managing physical smartcards. Issuing physical cards takes a long time and requires specialist printers for production. Common issues and inefficiencies around issuing physical cards arise when recruiting agency staff and cohorts of new doctors. Clinicians and staff have to travel around the Trust to register for cards so Virtual Smartcard is a big time saving for them.

Virtual Smartcards can be reset using a self-service portal to avoid the lengthy re-registration process. As the Virtual Smartcard is held in the cloud, there is nothing to physically lose, share or leave in a reader. This improves compliance and information governance to eliminate common unsafe workaround tactics that have emerged as a result of the inefficient physical cards.

“The Isosec Virtual Smartcard is a game changer for the NHS,” comments Marc Poulaud, CTO and Founder at Isosec. “By improving clinical experience, patient care gets better and better. Virtual Smartcard just works without being cumbersome to clinicians. We consistently save our customers and users time in an increasingly busy and demanding climate, where there is absolutely no time to spare for awkward multiple logins and passcodes,” adds Poulaud.