Staff profiles
Drew Sommerville
ICT applications and portfolio manager
What does your job involve?
I’m a member of the ICT Leadership Team. I manage a team of 16 ICT professionals responsible for managing and providing solutions for Taranaki DHB’s ICT portfolio of projects. These include clinical, corporate, ICT and regional projects. We also support the vast majority of Taranaki DHB’s many system applications.
My role ensures the team is functioning well to provide solution delivery, our customers’ needs are being met, and any application issues are resolved in a timely manner. I also work to ensure priority projects are resourced adequately, both from within my team, other ICT teams and the users. And I’m a member of several application and business area governance groups.
Tell us about your team
My team has five project managers; five applications specialists; three business systems analysts; one applications trainer; one RIS/PACS administrator and one systems administrator operations.
The team provides Taranaki DHB with a capability to manage and deliver projects; including implementing new applications or upgrading or changing existing applications. They also support these applications by resolving issues, advising users on improved use of applications; and enhancing applications for improved use. They’re an extremely focused team of individuals keen to deliver quality solutions to the many requests they receive.
Our team is part of the ICT Services Group including the teams Infrastructure, Service Desk & Desktop; Networks; Business Intelligence, Reporting & Development; and Records Management. There are about 60 people in Taranaki DHB’s ICT.
Current major projects?
Citrix Upgrade; South Taranaki Model of Care; Windows 10 Upgrade; Overnight Letters; e-Referrals; Project Maunga.
What’s your background?
I’ve worked in ICT for a long, long time. Originally from Scotland, I arrived in New Zealand young and schooled here, went to university in Scotland and worked in ICT there. I returned to NZ, married, and now have two grown up children (both living overseas). I’ve been a developer, operations analyst, business analyst, tester, project manager, consultant and a manager for all those groups.
What’s the best thing about your job?
I think after all these years – the people. Just the satisfaction of seeing team members grow and achieve. Also, learning new ‘things’.
Any big plans or dreams?
Hold my grandson at some point after he’s born – COVID-19 allowing!
What do you like to do outside of work?
Rest! I love the beach and bodyboarding. Both my wife and I enjoy cycling and walking and I love music and playing the guitar.