Driving NHS Digital Transformation: Future-Ready IT Infrastructure

The Autumn 2024 budget has earmarked a substantial £2 billion to accelerate digital transformation in the NHS. This investment is dedicated to modernising outdated IT infrastructure, with a specific focus on upgrading legacy systems to support the digitalisation of critical services. Such improvements are essential, given the rapid advancement in medical technology and the increasing need for secure, efficient data management in healthcare.

A significant driver for upgrading legacy systems is the upcoming end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025. Without regular security updates, devices running Windows 10 will become increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats, posing a substantial risk to patient data and operational continuity. Transitioning to Windows 11 not only addresses these security concerns but also delivers a range of high-level benefits for NHS Trusts:

1. Future-proofing with seamless cloud integration – Windows 11 ensures long-term software capability for critical healthcare applications while enhancing the integration of electronic health records with cloud platforms.

2. Sustainability and NHS Net Zero goals – Windows 11 optimises energy consumption, reduces electronic waste, and supports cloud-first strategies, lowering reliance on on-premise servers and minimising carbon impact.

3. Enhanced cybersecurity and NHS standards compliance – Built-in protections, including TPM 2.0, secure boot, and ransomware defences, provide robust security aligned with NHS compliance standards.

Legacy networks, while foundational to the NHS’s current infrastructure, can struggle to meet the modern demands of healthcare delivery. Ageing networks and systems can lack the flexibility, connectivity speed, and security required today, especially with the increasing reliance on telemedicine, electronic patient records, and cloud-based applications. Upgrading critical network and ICT infrastructure boosts operational efficiency and enhances patient care by enabling faster access to information, supporting real-time decision-making, and ensuring more secure data handling. Moreover, this upgrade aligns with regulatory and compliance requirements, as outdated critical infrastructure is more vulnerable to breaches and non-compliance, putting patient data at risk.

Bates IT, our dedicated healthcare practice working together with ITM, continues to support NHS Trusts in this ambitious journey to digitise, connect and transform critical infrastructure. Our approach is not just about updating technology but about creating resilient, scalable network and ICT solutions that improve healthcare delivery outcomes. Bates IT partners closely with NHS teams, ensuring that each project aligns with organisational goals and compliance standards, all while maintaining minimal disruption to daily operations. Whether your Trust is looking to phase out legacy systems, enhance network cyber resilience, or improve data accessibility, Bates IT has the experience and resources to guide the process seamlessly.

Our Role in Modernising NHS Network Infrastructure

Network Design and Optimisation

We provide comprehensive network design and configuration services tailored to meet healthcare standards. These services include optimising existing network infrastructure and implementing scalable solutions that support secure data flow between hospitals, clinics, and new healthcare hubs like Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs). This network foundation supports faster data transfer, enabling NHS staff to access patient information and coordinate care across facilities quickly.

Optimising Cyber Resilience 

Cybersecurity and Compliance Security is critical in healthcare, where safeguarding sensitive data is paramount. Our secure-by-design approach to network and ICT infrastructure helps protect against cyber threats, ensuring NHS Trusts meet stringent regulatory standards. This includes secure access management and compliance measures aligned with healthcare regulations, which are essential for the secure exchange of patient information across digital platforms. Our solutions mitigate risks by employing multi-layered defences to keep NHS data secure from breaches and unauthorised access.

IT Infrastructure Management and Cloud Solutions

We deliver essential cloud support services, which are increasingly necessary as NHS Trusts transition from physical servers to cloud-based storage and applications. Our cloud support services enable NHS organisations to manage large volumes of data while maintaining quick access and robust security. We also support IT infrastructure management to ensure system performance and reliability, reducing the burden on internal NHS teams by managing server performance and responding to issues before they impact operations.

Onsite IT Support and Proactive Monitoring

Onsite IT Support and Proactive Monitoring Healthcare requires uninterrupted IT services, so we provide on-site support and proactive network monitoring. Our teams conduct regular system health checks, ensuring operational continuity and minimising disruptions to patient services. This proactive monitoring enables NHS facilities to address potential issues swiftly, reducing downtime and ensuring high availability of critical systems.

ICT Support for Diagnostic and Treatment Hubs

We also specialise in deploying ICT network and ICT solutions that support decentralised healthcare hubs, such as CDCs, which are part of the NHS’s strategy to offer community-based services. Our services include setting up secure network connections and integrating these hubs with central NHS databases, ensuring that patient data flows seamlessly between sites. This integration enhances the speed and quality of care by providing healthcare professionals with immediate access to patient records across locations.

Comprehensive Support for NHS Digital Transformation These services underscore our commitment to supporting the NHS’s digital transformation. By upgrading network infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity, managing cloud-based storage, and ensuring a smooth transition to Windows 11, we help NHS organisations modernise in alignment with the government’s goals. This digital transformation not only supports efficiency and patient care but also establishes a secure, resilient foundation for future healthcare advancements.

To explore our critical network, ICT and digital infrastructure managed service solutions, please click here.