North Bristol NHS Trust
Overhauling legacy infrastructure
Challenges:
- Frequent network disruptions impacting ability to deliver patient care.
- Limited scalability to support emerging technologies.
- Growing cybersecurity risks in the healthcare sector.
- A widespread acceptance of inefficiency and system failures.
Solutions:
- Enhancing the Trust’s cybersecurity posture.
- Replacing all outdated network equipment.
- Delivering a unified and scalable enterprise network.
- Building a resilient foundation to support future innovations.
Any partner you choose to support your ambition must have integrity, trustworthiness, and capability - as well as a conscience. The challenges we face should weigh just as heavily on their team as they do on our clinical staff. I see a great deal of that in our partnership with Block.
Neil Darvill
CDIO at North Bristol NHS Trust
Major milestones
Network modernisation:
Over a five-year period, Block successfully implemented an enterprise-grade Cisco Software-Defined network, connecting over 24,000 endpoints. The project included:
- Full replacement of outdated hardware.
- Implementation of network segmentation and access control.
- Establishment of a secure, high-performance infrastructure to support digital healthcare.
Security enhancements:
Recognising the increasing threat of cyberattacks, the project introduced multi-layered security
measures:
- Advanced micro-segmentation to contain potential breaches.
- Robust network authentication systems to block unauthorised devices.
- Enhanced endpoint visibility to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
Operational excellence:
By consolidating network support under Block’s management and extending the lifecycle of critical
infrastructure components, the Trust realised:
- Reduced digital interruptions, improving patient and staff experiences.
- Efficient use of limited budgets through strategic planning and procurement.
- Increased resilience and scalability to accommodate future healthcare demands.
Setting the pace for digital transformation in healthcare
In partnership with Block, North Bristol NHS Trust overhauled their network to deliver enterprise-grade connectivity, robust cybersecurity, and reliability across 24,000+ endpoints.
Our new infographic captures the key milestones and measurable impact of this multi-year journey, including:
- Network access control & micro-segmentation
- Unified Cisco infrastructure across multiple sites
- Reduced interruptions, improved patient & staff experience
- A FutureNow platform for IoT, cloud, and AI innovation
See what’s possible when infrastructure becomes the foundation for digital success.
Too many NHS digital programmes focus on tech first — but real transformation starts with leadership.
In our latest blog, Neil Darvill, CDIO at North Bristol NHS Trust, shares candid insight into what made their infrastructure overhaul a success.
Key themes:
- The cost of cultural inertia
- Why brave leadership beats short-termism
- How to build long-term value in the NHS
- The importance of simplifying and securing infrastructure first
If you’re leading or influencing digital strategy in health, this blog is a must-read.
