Newcastle Hospitals boosts sustainability, safety and security with zero-landfill IT recycling

Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has expanded its partnership with Converge to include sustainable IT recycling and refurbishment – taking a key step toward its ambitious Net Zero goals. Since the collaboration began in 2020, the Trust has diverted nearly 3,000 IT devices from landfill, with over 90% of devices given a second life through refurbishment or parts reuse. This initiative has not only helped cut carbon and protect sensitive data but also returned significant financial rebates – reinvested directly to improve patient care.

In June 2019, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust became the world’s first healthcare organisation to declare a Climate Emergency. To combat this threat, the Trust launched an ambitious programme of action alongside Newcastle City Council and Newcastle University.

The aim? By 2030, the Trust intends to reach Net Zero on its own emissions, generate no air pollution from operational transport and reuse and repair wherever possible.

By 2040, Newcastle Hospitals also intends to reach Net Zero on emissions it influences, only use zero emission travel, and produce no waste by embracing the circular economy.

David Bull, Desktop Support Manager at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It’s highly significant, being the first Trust to declare an emergency. It’s acknowledgement that unless we do something now that is tangible, this trajectory will continue.”

IT recycling with real impact

To have real impact, the Trust needed a reliable, proven partner. Having worked with Converge since 2020 to procure thousands of devices, expanding the relationship to include IT recycling was the next strategic step.

Converge stood out for its industry leadership in IT recycling and device refurbishment. Operating the only in-house facility of its kind in the sector, and fully accredited as Zero to Landfill by Valpak, this commitment made the Trust’s choice clear.

“Due to the security risks posed by older, unsupported hardware, so much IT hardware isn’t suitable for hospital use anymore,” said David. “But it still works perfectly for use in a personal environment. It’s not ready to go in the bin,” he added.

The Trust has recycled nearly 3,000 units of IT with Converge, saving 333 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere – the annual carbon absorption of 15,000 mature trees.

Crucially, over 90% of the devices recycled with Converge have had a second life, either through refurbishment or by components being deployed elsewhere.

Keeping patient data safe

It’s also crucial for the Trust to protect sensitive patient and staff data. “Disposing of assets securely is vital to protect our patients and staff. That data anxiety can be significant.”

In the past, David’s team would “take drives out, punch holes in them, and shred them,” which was time-consuming and robbed devices of residual value. Converge’s Blancco data erasure software, full traceability and ADISA IT Asset Recovery Standard 8.0 certification provided reassurance.

“We ensured that Converge complied with all of our Data Protection requirements and that we had full confidence in their processes,” explained David. “I now receive tracking and destruction certificates. I can prove exactly what happened. That’s the level of assurance you need in the NHS.”

Safer patient areas thanks to recycling rebates

Newcastle Hospitals’ IT recycling has earned rebates, which has helped bolster NHS budgets.

“If you think about the challenges of NHS funding, rebates go a long way,” explained David. “In the last year, we’ve earned around £30,000 of rebates. Combined with other sources of funding, that’s helped us deploy over 1,000 monitors to patient-facing areas.”

David explained that many of the Trust’s older monitors were under 21” wide, which was not recommended by the hospital’s electronic patient record provider.

“Rebates have made patient-facing areas safer. The displays are easier to use, they’re ergonomic, and we’ve been able to invest without securing additional funding.”

A transparent, effective relationship

Sustainability is simpler across the Trust thanks to Newcastle Hospitals’ work with Converge.

“Thanks to improved van availability from your Scotland branch, we can book ad-hoc collections through our Partner Manager – it’s that easy.”

The Stone 360 app helps, too. “I love the fact that I can see my rebates and the number of trees we’ve planted. It’s powerful - you can see your impact right away.”

David attests that IT recycling with Converge is “effortless” and that the strong relationship between the organisations means more effective processes.

Efficiencies are key. “We’re always short on time. And when the NHS comes under criticism for not being efficient, we’ve improved things hugely with Converge over the past 18 months.”

“I like the fact that we have one contact,” said David. “We have shared email addresses to contact at Converge and delivery tracking spreadsheets, we get regular updates and have dedicated delivery days. It completes the cycle for us.”

More time for patients – and a more sustainable Trust

The relationship between Newcastle Hospitals and Converge has become stronger since IT recycling was introduced.

“It’s more than a business relationship,” said David. “You can have conversations, thrash things out, be transparent and devise solutions. You’ve worked with us to change so many things – you’re flexible.”

The result? Alongside sustainability improvements and five-figure rebates, the IT team has got more time to focus on the work that matters.

“My team has a lot more time to fix things that affect direct patient care,” explained David. “We used to outsource lots of work – but now we’ve got availability and time to focus attention in the right place.”