Enterprise Network Replacement Progamme

Location

Description

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) and North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) are in the process of merging into a single entity. The merger is expected to take place in June next year. A key success factor in the merger is the technical integration and interdependency of the IT network infrastructure, which is essential to achieving the strategic objectives of the merged entity. Reliable network infrastructure is essential for continuous delivery of patient care, business operations, and services throughout the merged organisation. This procurement is to replace the whole Network infrastructure across all sites within the UHBW Trust over a two-year period to align with NBT's Network Infrastructure and their incumbent supplier; BLOCK. The contract will be for a period of 5 years, during which it will bring in line NBT's BLOCK contract to a joint end date, and includes responsibility for the ongoing management, support and maintenance of the Network for the contract life. Within those 5 years, the total Network Infrastructure management, support and maintenance for the North Bristol Group will go out to competitive tender.

Award Detail

CPV Codes

• None found

Legal Justification

In July 2023 NBT invested into a major upgrade of its Cisco-based network, significantly strengthening its resilience and cyber security. In contrast, UHBW's network is outdated, with many components beyond end-of-life, it lacks the performance, security and resilience needed for a modern digital-first NHS Trust and to create a single group wide solution. To align both Trusts, UHBW must adopt the same Cisco Software-Defined Access (SDA) architecture, enabling seamless integration and consistent management. NBTs network provision uses Cisco technologies alongside Block design and support services. Block therefore hold a unique position as a partner who has a deep understanding of the Trusts network design, implementation, security, monitoring, and support service. A unified Cisco-based network, delivered by a single provider, is essential for interoperability, clinical safety, and the successful delivery of the Joint Clinical Strategy. Block already possesses in-depth knowledge of NBT's network architecture, configurations, incident history and security posture. Block therefore is the only provider with the technical knowledge to deliver the scope for the merged organisation.

Other Information

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