A News OnTheWight reader got in touch last week with concerns that some computers at St Mary’s Hospital were still using Windows 7 operating system. The latest version of the Windows operating system is 11.
Microsoft say on their Website that support for Windows 7 is discontinued, although the software will continue to function.
Our reader, who wishes to remain anonymous, said,
“I am currently a patient at St Mary’s, and I have been impressed with the care I have received, and was very surprised when chatting to the nursing staff as they were waiting for the computer to ‘wake up’, that although they had very modern equipment, they had to load all the information on a Windows 7 Microsoft computer.
“My understanding was that Windows 7 is not supported by Microsoft, and is more vulnerable to viruses and hackers, as well as struggling to cope with the complex software that the NHS uses, causing frustration.”
3,650 devices in the Trust
That sounded potentially worrying, so News OnTheWight got in touch with Isle of Wight NHS Trust to find out more.
A spokesperson confirmed that across the Trust there are just seven computers operating Windows 7, out of a total of around 3,650 devices.
Although two of these connect to specialist software, like Medisight, this hasn’t prevented them from being upgraded.
IW NHS: “All of these machines are fully supported by Microsoft”
Putting our reader’s mind at rest, the spokesperson confirmed that all those computers using Windows 7 are fully supported by Microsoft.
When asked about whether they were connected to the Trust’s network, they replied,
“They connect to the Trust’s network and are fully updated, with all the necessary cyber security measures in place.
“All remaining Windows 7 machines are due to be replaced in the coming months as part of our ongoing IT transformation work.”
So if you do happen to see Windows 7 being used at the Hospital, you should be reassured that there is no need for concern.
