Remote working guidance available
The IT team has put together a guide to help you with the following items when working from home:
- Laptop connection
- Remote access
- Mobile phones
- WhatsApp group messaging
- Desk phone diverts
- Microsoft Teams
- Webex
- Conference call lines
1. Connect your laptop to Wi-Fi
- Select the Network (
) icon on the taskbar. The icon that appears depends on your current connection state. If you don’t see one of the network icons (or a similar one) shown in the image below, select the up arrow (
) to see if it appears there.
- Choose the Wi-Fi network you want and select Connect.
- Enter your network password and select Next.
- Choose Yes or No, depending on whether you want your laptop to be discoverable by other PCs and devices on the network.
2. Access your email at home
You don’t need to use Remote Access Solution (RAS) or VPN to access your emails.
Once connected to your home Wi-Fi you can use Outlook in the normal way without having to use any other Remote Access software.
You can also use a personal device to access emails:
- Login to NHSmail from your home / personal device
- Enter the NHS.net email address and password you usually use to open your emails
3. Remote Access VPN conditions of use
If you have been granted RAS/VPN access, you must only use RAS when connecting to specific systems.
Once you have completed your task you must then disconnect from the RAS.
Use a Remote Access Solution (RAS)
You only need to use the RAS/VPN when connecting to systems such as:
- Oracle
- SystmOne
To download/upload individual files from shared drives or your P drive.
Once you have completed your task you must disconnect from the RAS/VPN.
Do not attempt to download, open or move large files while connected to the RAS it will disconnect from the network.
Gain access to Remote Access Solution
- The AGEM IT helpdesk can grant you access to the Remote Access System (RAS). Call them on 0300 123 1020 or email agcsu.itservicedesk@nhs.net
- Once you have access, you will receive an email from the IT Service Desk, giving you set-up instructions.
Download RAS to my personal mobile phone
- You will need to download the ‘AuthControl Mobile’ app from the Appstore
- The app is free
- Please download this app whilst on your Wi-Fi to avoid data charges
- Once the app is downloaded it does not require internet access to function.
Connect your work laptop to RAS
- You must first connect to your home Wi-Fi; enabled and synchronised by the AGEM IT Service Desk
- Open the Cisco AnyConnect software (via your taskbar or programme list)
- Press the Connect button
- Enter your Username: firstname.surname@essexccgs.nhs.uk
- Enter your Password: the one you use to login to your computer
- Enter the Second Password: Enter the PIN displayed on your ‘AuthControl’ app.
4. Mobile phones
Set up a conference call on an iPhone
- Place a call
- From the in-call menu, tap add call. While you dial the second number, the first call will be placed on hold
- Once you have the other person on the line, tap merge calls to connect everyone
- Repeat steps two and three to add other people to the conference call (max 5)
5. WhatsApp group messaging
Create a group
- Go to the Chats tab in WhatsApp
- Tap More options > New group. Alternatively, tap New chat > New group
- Search for or select contacts to add to the group and tap the green arrow
- Enter a group subject
- Tap the green check mark when you’re finished
6. Divert your desk phone
We will be working with the EAs to ensure phones in the office that need to be diverted to a mobile or another phone are transferred over remotely.
7. Audio/video conferencing and instant messenger
Microsoft Teams
- Go to the Microsoft Teams website
- Click Sign up for free
- Enter your NHS.net email account and click Next
- On the next page, click Sign in
- Click Get the Teams app
You can have a maximum of 250 participants join any one call.
- View the Microsoft Teams installation guide
- View the Microsoft Teams quick start guide
Please consider the confidentiality of discussions on these meetings when working at home. Try to locate to a private area where possible away from family members.
8. WebEx
View the Creating a Webex conference call guidance
- We have two corporate WebEx accounts which will facilitate you hosting an audio and/or visual meeting
- These have to be set up in advance and will generate a URL link for you to send to participants of the meeting which they (and you) will need to click on
9. Conference Call User Guide
Please refer to the EA/PA’s on how to book these out.
- Call the phone line number 01992 949169
- Enter the conference number followed by the # key
- Enter the conference PIN followed by the # key
- You will then be asked to state your name and press the # key
- The first caller that has dialled in will be told they are the first to dial in and will hear music until the next caller dials in
Directorate | Conference number | Conference PIN |
Executive Team | 1234 | 1234 |
Finance, Contracting and Performance | 1235 | 1235 |
Transformation and Strategy | 1236 | 1236 |
Corporate Services | 1237 | 1237 |
Primary Care and Localities | 1238 | 1238 |
Medical Directorate | 1239 | 1239 |
Nursing and Quality | 1240 | 1240 |
Director | Conference number | Conference PIN |
Andrew Geldard | 1241 | 1241 |
John Leslie | 1242 | 1242 |
Toni Coles | 1243 | 1243 |
Ian Tompkins | 1244 | 1244 |
Peter Wightman | 1245 | 1245 |
Christine Moss | 1246 | 1246 |
Jane Kinniburgh | 1247 | 1247 |