WiFi

WiFi can support pharmacy teams by:

• Enabling the use of laptops, tablets and mobile devices for work purposes;
• Reducing the need to wait for access to fixed IT terminals;
• Allowing staff to access systems and information from different areas of the pharmacy, where appropriate; and
• Supporting more flexible ways of working and future digital services.

As NHS and pharmacy digital services continue to develop, reliable wireless connectivity may become increasingly important for supporting new clinical and operational workflows.

Providing patient WiFi may offer several benefits, particularly where mobile phone coverage is poor.

Potential benefits include:

• Helping patients access information about pharmacy and NHS services;
• Supporting access to digital tools such as the NHS App and other health apps;
• Allowing patients to view trusted health information during their pharmacy visit; and
• Improving access to online healthcare services and self-care resources.

Good quality routers and network equipment can have a significant impact on connectivity and user experience. See our router guidance for further information.

A reliable internet connection is important for both pharmacy operations and patient use.

Pharmacy teams can use free online speed testing tools to measure connection performance and help assess potential broadband options when reviewing connectivity services.

Factors that can affect WiFi performance include:

• Router quality;
• Building layout and construction;
• Location of wireless access points;
• Number of connected users and devices;
• Local broadband infrastructure; and
• Network configuration.

If staff regularly experience slow connectivity, it may be worthwhile reviewing network equipment, broadband performance and wireless coverage across the pharmacy.

This section draws on NHS WiFi guidance and considerations discussed by the Community Pharmacy IT Group (CP ITG).

When planning or implementing WiFi, your IT support provider should consider:

• Compliance with relevant WiFi and cyber security standards;
• Standard Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs), such as “NHS WiFi” for public access where appropriate;
• Whether separate WiFi services will be provided for patients, guests, staff and connected devices;
• Segregation of networks to keep different user groups separate;
• Router quality, maintenance and replacement cycles;
• Restricting personal devices brought into the workplace to appropriate networks;
• Preventing public users from accessing other devices on the same network;
• Web filtering requirements;
• Roaming services, where relevant;
• Ongoing administration, monitoring and software updates;
• Available bandwidth and network capacity;
• Suitability of local network hardware, including access points and firewalls;
• Firewall configuration and management;
• Traffic prioritisation tools, such as Quality of Service (QoS);
• Whether public or guest access will use registration portals and acceptable use policies; and
• Any implications for Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT)

Most pharmacy owners will need support from a specialist IT provider to design, implement and maintain a secure WiFi solution.

Pharmacy teams should understand that public WiFi services do not usually provide the same level of security as secured workplace networks.

Sensitive NHS, patient or business information should only be accessed using approved systems, devices and secure network arrangements that comply with local information governance and cyber security requirements.

If staff need remote access to work systems, they should follow the guidance provided by their organisation and IT support provider.

Read more

• NHS WiFi guidance and standards from NHS England;
• NHS App information and patient-facing digital services;
• Health and Social Care Network (HSCN) guidance;
• Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) resources; and
• Community Pharmacy England guidance on connectivity and digital technology.

The National Pharmacy Association may also be able to provide business support and advice for its members. Your IT support provider can advise on technical requirements and implementation options.