South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust upgrades IT and stretches budgets with new and refurbished devices

South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust has upgraded to Windows 11 and made the most of tight budgets by working with Converge to deploy refurbished and new Lenovo notebooks and PCs – with the upgrades having a “massive impact” on staff productivity.

South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust provides healthcare services to 1.5 million patients, employs over 10,000 people and intends to provide the best standards of patient care and a great environment for staff – while achieving Net Zero by 2040.

Ian Willis, the Trust’s Head of IT, manages technology across two hospitals and eight community locations.

His role doesn’t just mean deploying technology that supports patient outcomes and staff needs – it means that he’s got to be mindful of the Trust’s financial position, the need for digital transformation and the importance of using dependable devices.

Making procurement better with frameworks and Converge

“We’ve used Lenovo devices for quite a while now,” explained Willis, “and we love their reliability – we’ve worked with them for a long time, and we trust their equipment.”

That was a solid start, but Willis knew that he needed to move to a framework-based agreement to make procurement easier. As he explained, “we needed a third-party supplier where we could sign a contract and go straight to them for everything.”

Willis led the Trust through a full, competitive tendering process using the Crown Commercial Services framework, inviting bids from a host of IT manufacturers and value-added resellers.

Converge were successful. “It wasn’t just on price,” said Willis. “It was your after-sales support, your communication, and the constant updates – the whole package.” 

Effective IT and a straightforward relationship

The combination of Lenovo technology and Converge’s pricing, reliability and communication was attractive to Willis and his team.

“We review purchasing annually to see if devices need upgrading. We set a roster of devices at the start of the year, which makes things simpler.”

Willis has worked with Converge to replace hundreds of Lenovo devices, moving to Windows 11 as part of a large-scale PC and notebook replacement project.

“The team really like the machines – they’re robust and rugged. They’re easy to maintain, image and configure. The warranties are excellent too.

“The process with Converge is brilliant.  We raise an order, get an immediate response, and get weekly updates. Our Partner Manager checks in regularly, and he calls us if there are any special deals available. It’s straightforward.”

That positive experience meant that the relationship between the Trust and Converge has expanded.

“Now we just buy almost everything we need from Converge – notebooks, iPads, iPhones, cases and more. It’s just so easy because we work with one supplier.”

Making budgets stretch further with refurbished IT

It’s no secret that NHS Trusts are facing increasing budgetary challenges, and South Tees has worked with Converge to make the most of its finances.

“We’ve got challenges with our budgets this year,” explained Willis, “but you’ve been really accommodating – telling us about refurbished Converge Renew devices when suitable specifications are available.”

Converge Renew devices are recoated with a premium finish to remove scuffs and scratches, their keyboards are reprinted, and they’re equipped with a new Windows 11 OS. They’re also protected by a new warranty.

“We know we need to get more for our money. Buying refurbished devices helps us do that.”

A genuine relationship with real impact

Whether buying new or refurbished, the Trust’s upgrades have had a positive impact.

“Five years ago, our devices were slow – sometimes taking 20 minutes to log in,” said Willis. “But our latest kit has had a massive impact. Staff expect machines that are responsive and quick, and people are happy. We’re in a good place in terms of our end-user devices.”

Willis and his team are in a good place in terms of their relationship with Converge, too – which means he’s able to deploy the IT that South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust needs.

“It’s been a positive experience throughout,” he explained. “The way you talk to us and build a genuine relationship, how responsive you are, it’s brilliant. I can call my Partner Manager any day of the week and get an answer. I’d absolutely recommend Converge.”