North Bristol
NHS Trust

Decision Made

Recognising the critical need for a transformative partner to address its aging network infrastructure and growing digital demands, North Bristol selected Block following a rigorous competitive tender process.

Block emerged as the clear choice due to its proven expertise in managing complex healthcare IT projects, its strong track record of delivering large-scale digital transformations within the NHS, and its commitment to tailored, outcomes-driven solutions.

“Our existing network was unreliable and outdated, which completely undermined the potential of our digital systems. It was like having a great car without a road—advanced systems, but no dependable infrastructure to support them,”

Neil Darvill, Chief Digital Information Officer
North Bristol NHS Trust

Key Focus Areas

The initiative centered on addressing critical infrastructure challenges to create a robust and future-ready digital foundation:

• Simplifying and consolidating two disparate networks into a single, cohesive system.
• Enhancing system reliability to reduce downtime and improve user experiences.
• Building a scalable network capable of supporting future healthcare innovations like IoT and real-time patient monitoring.

“All too often flashy innovations mask deeper systemic issues. We helped Neil and his team resist the temptation to pursue the “shiny new thing” in technology and, instead, take a disciplined approach to technology investments. Focusing on simplifying, standardising and securing the core infrastructure meant it would then be primed for future advancements.”

Marc Chang, CEO at Block

An Improved Experience

For NHS Clinicians, front line staff and end users, this meant uninterrupted access to critical patient data, faster response times, and smoother workflows. Patients also benefited from a better experience, as the improved network supported streamlined appointment scheduling, secure access to digital records, and virtual consultations.

Delivering exceptional value for money

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, North Bristol rapidly scaled its remote access capabilities. Block’s network foundation allowed staff to adopt new ways of working almost overnight, maintaining high standards of care during unprecedented times.

Efficiency Gains

The implementation of a streamlined and standardised network translated into tangible operational benefits for North Bristol NHS Trust. By simplifying network management and improving infrastructure reliability, the Trust was able to allocate resources more effectively:

• Cost Savings: Reduced maintenance and support needs lowered operating costs, freeing up budget for other priorities, including patient services and innovation.
• Operational Resilience: A robust network design ensured continuity of services, even during peak demand or unexpected events, safeguarding critical operations.
• Improved Productivity: Faster, more reliable systems empowered staff to complete tasks efficiently, reducing administrative bottlenecks and enhancing collaboration across departments.

Cultural Shift

One of the most transformative outcomes of the programme was the shift in organisational culture. Under the guidance of forward-thinking leadership, North Bristol moved from a reactive approach to digital challenges toward a proactive, strategic mindset. This cultural evolution was driven by:

• Accountability: Teams were encouraged to take ownership of their processes and embrace continuous improvement.
• Innovation: Leadership fostered an environment that prioritised long-term value over short-term fixes, inspiring teams to think strategically about technology investments.
• Collaboration: By aligning IT and operational goals, North Bristol created a unified vision for leveraging technology to support its mission of delivering exceptional healthcare.

Key Initiatives

To strengthen security and protect critical systems, the teams worked together to implement targeted initiatives:

• Micro-Segmentation: Block divided the network into isolated segments to contain breaches, protecting the network’s integrity while ensuring smooth operations.
• Network Access Controls (NAC): Strict authentication prevented unauthorised devices from accessing sensitive systems, safeguarding patient data and clinical operations.
• Endpoint Profiling: Advanced tools monitored and assessed all devices for compliance, ensuring only authorised endpoints could connect.

Proactive Monitoring and Security Culture

North Bristol and Block introduced tools for real-time visibility and rapid response, enabling swift detection and neutralisation of threats like unauthorised access or suspicious data activity.

Enhanced reporting supported continuous improvement in defences and staff training fostered a security-aware culture, adding human vigilance to technical measures and positioning North Bristol as a cybersecurity leader within the NHS.

Cloud Integration

In 2023, North Bristol NHS Trust and Block began a phased adoption of cloud technology to modernise healthcare delivery.

• Phased Migration: Key systems, including patient records and clinical applications, were moved to the cloud, ensuring minimal disruption and continuous operation.
• Enhanced Agility: The cloud provided scalability, allowing IT resources to adapt quickly to changing demands like patient surges or emergencies.
• Integrated Care Systems (ICS): Cloud integration improved data sharing across regional ICS, enabling real-time collaboration and better decision-making for seamless patient care.

Data Strategy Development

North Bristol and Block launched a data strategy to turn healthcare data into actionable insights for better outcomes.

• Advanced Analytics: Tools identified trends, predicted patient needs, and optimised resource allocation, reducing waiting times and improving efficiency.
• Predictive Care Models: Real-time data helped anticipate patient risks, allowing early interventions to improve outcomes.
• Decision-Making Support: Centralised data provided leadership and clinicians with reliable insights for strategic planning and operational improvements

The partnership with Block continues, focusing on strengthening integration with regional systems to improve patient care coordination and embracing emerging technologies like AI-driven diagnostics and IoT-enabled devices to push the boundaries of modern healthcare.

Through these efforts, North Bristol NHS Trust set a clear path toward a more connected, intelligent, and patient-centered healthcare ecosystem, ensuring it could meet the demands of modern medicine well into the future.