Intensive care, mission critical database and the importance of a fast response.

The Story of how WellData helped the Royal Free Hospital’s ITU

The Issue

The Barnet ITU had switched from paper-based records to digital records in the early 2000s. The switch allowed for more transparency and reduced risk of human error, as well as offering the ability to extrapolate data for analytical purposes.

It then fell to Dr Tony Wolff, who was also the doctor running the ITU and had designed the information system, to ensure that the system was up and running and the database secured. In his own words, ‘it was challenging and stressful looking after the databases with not being a DBA and being a one man band‘.

Without daily database management support, the situation was challenging to sustain: the old operating system and the lack of consistent maintenance meant that the system was difficult to upkeep and at risk of failure.

With the clock ticking, and the first news of a deadly virus appearing, WellData was called in.

The Solution

WellData didn’t waste any time: the first step was to secure the infrastructure, migrate the operating system to Windows
and to upgrade the database from Oracle 11g to Oracle 19c.

Once the data was secured, and the immediate need resolved, the WellData team proceeded to provide ongoing support: these were the early days of the March 2020 lockdown, as admissions skyrocketed, WellData stepped in to take over housekeeping and capacity planning.

The Results

The migration took less than 8 weeks to be completed and by the time the pandemic had reached its peak, the ITU team was
able to rely on a modern Windows operating system and on on-going support of a team of experienced DBAs.

Before the migration and the outsourced database management, the ITU had so much unkept data that any new information
could hardly be added without risk of destabilising the whole system. Now, the Royal Free Hospital is able to confidently and efficiently record and track every new patient, taking the burden off the already stretched medical team.

Here's what other people think

Google Rating
5.0
High standard, professional service. I've worked with Welldata for a number of years and always found their DBA's to be knowledgeable and proactive. Throw any question at them and it will be resolved, it gives real peace of mind knowing you have a partner you can rely on from emergencies to general questions. They also like a challenge and we do throw a few curved balls at them.read more
Paul Miller
Paul Miller
12:34 27 Aug 21
The support I receive from Well Data is extremely responsive. Richard Parsons is my contact and keeps me informed daily on the health of our SQL Databases. Whenever I ask for assistance from Well Data it is quick and professional.read more
Kay Riley
Kay Riley
13:41 19 Aug 21
Really know their stuff and their response times are very good. They provide us with a vital service.
Andy Cole
Andy Cole
13:36 19 Aug 21
The guys at WellData really know their stuff. We wanted a quick route to doing something complex and they sorted it for us very quickly and to a high standard. Very professional, no ego, just excellent and to the point consultancy.read more
Steve Goacher
Steve Goacher
11:31 14 Nov 19
I have worked with the WellData team for many years now and they have always delivered.I would highly recommend them to any business looking for best-value outsourced Expert DBA’s.Being able to offer a rolling contract on the basis that if they don’t deliver you can leave shows their confidence and commitment.Their professionalism and knowledge is second to none.read more
Petro Bartoszyk
Petro Bartoszyk
08:51 18 Oct 19
A very dedicated team of extremely professional and knowledgeable experts
Giulia Iannucci
Giulia Iannucci
14:08 16 Nov 18
We use Welldata for SQL support and are very happy with their service.
David Sadler
David Sadler
09:40 15 Nov 18
Really know their stuff and their response times are very good.
Andy Cole
Andy Cole
11:45 06 Nov 18
Our partnership with WellData has enabled us to resolve critical database problems. Their attitude and service makes them a natural extension to our own technology team, which extends our capability in a critical area of our business.read more
Steve Fenton
Steve Fenton
10:56 05 Nov 18
Having worked with the team at Welldata for approaching 17 years, my company and I have always found them professional, reliable and generally a great firm to work with.read more
John Lynes
John Lynes
14:00 04 Oct 17
WellData provide an excellent level of support and their team are very knowledgeable and always go the extra mile. I would wholeheartedly recommend them.read more
Stefan Parrott
Stefan Parrott
13:12 19 Sep 17