The upgrade represents a complete database infrastructure refresh and will help to enable a more automated, faster and surer failover process and continuing levels of quality support.

Communications and guidance have been developed to inform staff of the planned upgrade, its impact and any mitigating actions should they be required. These were communicated to the NHS at the beginning of October.

As with any computer system or service, from time to time it is necessary to undertake essential maintenance work. Maintenance serves a range of purposes and the benefits can include:

• the ability to make use of new and emerging technologies
• access to improved functionality
• maintained stability and speedier recovery
• improved system performance
• and on-going quality of support.

Further information

For further information and guidance, please download Impact and Mitigating Actions (PDF, 33Kb) and frequently asked questions (PDF, 121Kb) about planned Spine maintenance work.