Partnering With Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Is your Trust looking to upgrade its Windows system whilst ensuring a seamless transition across all devices?
Needing specialist support to manage the rollout while minimising disruption to clinical and administrative operations?
Here’s how we helped one NHS Trust lead its Windows 10 upgrade project, delivering tailored expertise and a rapid deployment strategy to meet critical deadlines.
The Requirement
A healthcare Trust was operating on Windows 7 and aimed to upgrade its systems to Windows 10, while imaging machines and equipment across all sites. They were in the planning phase of the project and required support to determine how many engineers would be needed to deliver this objective. The Trust had a pre-existing relationship with the support team due to previous assistance in various digital areas. As Windows 7 was nearing the end of its lifecycle, with Microsoft ceasing updates and customer support, the Trust needed to ensure they migrated to Windows 10 within the next two years before the planned discontinuation.
The project encompassed two large acute hospital sites, focusing on upgrading end-user machines and equipment.
Main Objectives
- Migrate all systems to Windows 10.
- Image and upgrade all machines and equipment across the Trust.
- Organise the collection, upgrade, and redeployment of equipment.
- Provide sufficient IT support for administrative & clinical processes.
- Ensure smooth collaboration between the new & existing IT teams.
- Minimise disruptions to operations during the upgrade process.
Project Progress
Experienced Engineers
The Trust required experienced engineers with a background in healthcare IT, who had previously delivered Windows 10 upgrade projects. They sought to contract specialists through the CCS framework, working alongside their permanent IT workforce. Procurement was carried out on a time-and-materials basis.
Delivering Expertise
Utilising their network of engineers in the North West, the support team quickly provided a list of candidates who possessed the necessary skills and lived within a commutable distance to the Trust, allowing easy on-site access. The Trust needed seven Windows 10 Rollout Engineers, and 21 profiles were delivered. From these, the Trust selected the best seven candidates for a working interview, based on recommendations. This approach ensured that expectations were aligned, and both parties could assess suitability before making any long-term commitments.
Working Interview
Following the working interview, the Trust confirmed they wanted to hire the selected engineers, with the first official start date being the same day as the interview. This expedited the integration process, enabling the team to utilise the engineers' expertise without delay.
The Delivery
The Trust needed to mobilise the team quickly to ensure that devices were upgraded and deployed ahead of Microsoft's support deadline for Windows 7. The rapid recruitment process enabled the Trust to onboard seven engineers within two weeks, integrating them into the existing IT team. Thousands of devices were upgraded or redeployed to both new and existing users across the two large acute hospital sites.
Upon the project's completion, three of the seven engineers were asked to continue contracting with the Trust to support an Office 365 project. These three engineers later accepted substantive roles with the Trust, cementing the partnership and ensuring continuity of expertise.
- 7
- Experts Hired
The Results
Regarding the overall Windows 10 upgrade project, all devices were successfully upgraded across both acute hospital sites, meeting the Trust’s deadline ahead of Microsoft's support cutoff. The integration of engineers ensured minimal disruption to daily operations, and the Trust is now well-positioned for future IT projects.
Connecting Experts
Looking to hire experienced engineers for your upcoming IT upgrade or deployment? Need specialist support for a smooth transition? Contact our team today.