The Client

The original NHS Milton Keynes estate included more than 40 sites, ranging from the Trust’s headquarters to GP surgeries and health visitors. Its IT service later became part of the NHS Arden & GEM Commissioning Support Unit, as described in the published account.

The Challenge

An evolving network had become complicated and unreliable. Limited broadband and an expensive leased line contributed to slow or unavailable connections, service disruption and difficulty accessing nationwide NHS applications.

The organisation needed an entire network restructure over a short delivery period, while staff continued using clinical applications and communicating with patients, clinicians and healthcare partners.

Our Delivery

1. Agreeing outcomes and continuity

   Fluid and the IT team defined timing, costs, support, future capacity, staff training and how disruption would be managed during the redesign.

2. Design, test and improve

   The proposed system went through robust testing. Components that did not meet the brief were revised before acceptance.

3. Documentation and sign-off

   Both teams agreed the project documentation and formally signed off the delivered approach.

4. Support and extensions

   The original engagement included regular site visits and support, followed by extensions at existing locations and new sites.

The Results

The client’s published feedback reports delivery on time and within budget, with patient services unaffected during the project.

The resulting network supported NHS IT services with more reliable connectivity and flexibility for further changes. The account also describes subsequent work at additional regional sites.

Project Technologies

Platforms and technologies used in the original engagement.

• N3 connectivity — the historical NHS network used in the project
• LAN and WAN infrastructure
• Cisco switching and routing
• Cisco ASA security appliances