A HORWICH-based IT firm has won a hospital support contract and strengthened its links with the University of Bolton.

Imerja, based in Paragon Business Park, is now the first point of contact for all technical and clinical systems faults at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, which has outsourced its internal service desk to the firm.

If an IT network or clinical application problem arises at any time of day or night, Imerja tries to get the hospital’s systems up-and-running again as quickly as possible.

IT infrastructure problems are resolved by Imerja’s engineers, while clinical faults are allocated to hospital teams.

The service desk also collates management information, supplied to the hospital on a monthly basis, to help prepare for incidents and times of high demand.

Imerja managing director Ian Jackson said: “We’ve worked with the hospital on previous projects and are really pleased with this new strand.”

Cathy O'Keeffe, from the hospital, said: “Imerja’s service desk also supplies us with detailed management information that we didn’t have access to previously.

“It’s really important to be proactive with our IT.”

Imerja has taken on a new member of staff, Amit Mistry, to support the contract.

In another development, Imerja and the University of Bolton are reaping the rewards of a joint relationship following a successful 12-month student placement which resulted in a final-year job for student Daniel Goodall.

He is now working part-time with Imerja while completing the final year of his computer network and security course.

Mr Goodall said: “Working at Imerja has really opened my eyes and provided practical experience to frame my studies. I’ve also based my final year’s project on my Imerja work.”

He has worked on projects for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Lambeth Council.

Imerja has hired other graduates in the past and approached university course leader Colin Noon last year to see if there were any especially strong candidates.

Mr Noon said: “Daniel was part-way through his studies rather than a qualified graduate.

“Although we don’t prescribe a year in industry, we really recommended the opportunity for him to get hands-on experience.

“Our students get tangible opportunities and much of this is down to our strong links with business."

Imerja commercial director Mark Evans added: “More businesses should turn to universities for recruitment.

“It’s a mutually beneficial relationship.

“We can offer hands-on experience for students and recruit the best up-coming talent.”