Published April 16th, 2021
A Cornwall-based software company has played its part in combatting the coronavirus pandemic by developing a bespoke software service for the mass booking of Covid vaccinations.
Tango3 Health, which specialises in digital infrastructure, software development and UX digital design, created the booking system in partnership with Cornwall Ambulance Service, Cornwall Council, Kernow CCG and the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust.
Launched for Covid vaccinations in December 2020, the system uses cloud-based software to allow key workers and front line staff to book and amend their own vaccinations online, with tens of thousands of appointments already booked and fulfilled so far.
Mike Trebilcock, co-director, said: “At the beginning of the national vaccination programme for Covid-19, it became clear that there was no effective booking system in place for front line staff and key workers. We had however already launched a pilot version of the software for Cornwall’s Flu Vaccine Drive Through (VDT) project, where more than 14,000 vaccinations were booked and rolled out successfully.
“After the announcement about the Covid-19 vaccination’s rollout was made, we then worked closely with the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) to update this software to accommodate the two sessions required by the Covid vaccine, removing the administrative burden for the NHS of managing key worker and employee vaccinations.
“So far, the RCHT has arranged more than 60,000 vaccinations across 30 organisations, something which simply would not have happened without an efficient booking management system.”
Since the launch of the software, Tango3 has seen an increase in demand for its services, and has received business support from the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth Hub, which signposted them to recruitment and finance organisations such as Unlocking Potential and SWIG Finance.
Matt Borne, business connector at the Growth Hub, said: “Tango3 quickly recognised the need for an efficient booking management system for Covid vaccinations, and despite operating remotely, worked collaboratively to create a programme which has no doubt saved lives.
“The owners have shown fantastic drive, technical knowledge, and resilience as they continue to play their part in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, and are now looking to increase Tango3’s workforce as they cement themselves as a leader in the digital health market. We were pleased to facilitate business review sessions for the Tango3 team, and are excited to see what the next chapter brings.”
VDT is a self-service system which provides key workers and front line staff with a booking link via text or email, allowing them to go online to book or amend vaccination appointments, and rebook missed sessions. Holding centralised records, the software also helps the NHS plan for upcoming demands on both vaccine supply and clinic staff, and import users from other systems.
Built from the ground up, it simplifies complex mass vaccination programmes, and due to being cloud-based, is a cost-effective and easily scalable service which can be used for all vaccination types.
Mike continued: “The success of the VDT software has solidified the position of Tango3 as a credible new player in the digital health market, and we are proud to be helping to solve pressing digital transformation issues within the Covid era. Our ambition is now to use the service to improve the uptake and efficient delivery of annual vaccinations for both patients and surgeries.”
For more details about VDT, visit tango3-health.co.uk or call 0333 311 2605. For more information about the Growth Hub, visit ciosgrowthhub.co.uk.
