NHS Smart Technology: Innovation & Sustainability

As an NHS IT Manager, you're likely juggling many responsibilities. From keeping critical systems running smoothly to managing devices across multiple locations, the pressure is on to deliver reliable technology that empowers staff and enhances patient care. Add to that the ambitious goals of the NHS Long Term Plan—including automating routine tasks and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040—and it's clear that innovative solutions are needed to reduce strain on both staff and systems.

That’s where LapSafe® comes in. Our Smart Lockers and peripheral vending machines, powered by our unique cloud-based management software, ONARKEN®, can be integrated seamlessly into your infrastructure to help tackle these challenges. Not only do they support the NHS’s commitment to sustainability, but they also make your job easier by improving efficiency, accountability, and asset management.

Here’s how our solutions, underpinned by cutting-edge cloud technology, can make a real difference for you and your team.

Automating Routine Tasks to Relieve Pressure on Staff

The NHS Long-Term Plan highlights the importance of reducing pressure on hardworking staff. IT managers, in particular, often get pulled into time-consuming manual tasks, like managing loaned devices or replacing peripherals. Automating these routine tasks is a simple but effective way to free up valuable time for both your team and healthcare professionals.

With LapSafe® smart lockers, staff can check out devices, like tablets or laptops, autonomously and securely at any time—without needing assistance from your IT team. Our smart peripheral vending machines take this a step further by allowing self-service access to peripherals such as cables, headphones, power banks, medical equipment and pharmaceuticals.

Our cloud-based software manages all these processes, ensuring seamless access, logging, and reporting in real-time. This automated system not only improves service but also ensures that your teams are fully equipped without having to wait for IT support. It’s all about empowering staff to do their jobs more efficiently, so you and your team can focus on higher-priority tasks.

Better Accountability Through Smart Asset Management

Accountability is crucial in any NHS setting, where equipment is vital for patient care. Knowing who has what device, when it was taken, and whether it’s being returned on time is key to ensuring everything runs smoothly.

LapSafe®’s Smart Lockers, with our cloud-based management software, provide built-in audit trails, tracking every transaction in real-time. You’ll always know who has checked out a device or peripheral, and you can monitor usage patterns, making it easier to manage resources. This level of transparency reduces the risk of lost or damaged equipment, and it’s invaluable for managing tight budgets.

Enhanced Efficiency and Remote Asset Management

Managing NHS equipment across multiple locations can be a logistical headache, especially if you’re trying to coordinate everything from one central point. LapSafe® smart lockers, powered by our cloud-based system, offer remote management capabilities that allow you to oversee lockers and devices from anywhere. This gives you total visibility and control over your IT assets without needing to be physically present.

Imagine being able to check stock levels in a vending machine at another location or see who’s using which devices across the hospital, all from your desk. You can even schedule software updates or maintenance without having to track down each individual device. This not only increases efficiency but also allows you to make data-driven decisions about resource allocation.

Supporting the NHS’s Net Zero Ambitions

Sustainability is a top priority for the NHS, and the drive to reach Net Zero by 2040 means taking every opportunity to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. By integrating LapSafe® Smart Lockers and peripheral vending machines into your infrastructure, you’re contributing to a more sustainable future.

Our cloud-based management software optimises energy usage, ensuring devices are only charged when necessary—no wasted electricity here. Plus, smart vending machines can reduce the need for frequent deliveries of consumables like peripherals, which helps cut down on transportation-related emissions.

Improved Security for NHS Devices and Data

In the NHS, security is non-negotiable. Whether it's patient data or expensive devices, protecting your IT assets is a top priority. LapSafe® smart lockers, with secure PIN, RFID, or biometric access, ensure that only authorised personnel can check out equipment. This helps prevent unauthorised use and provides a secure chain of custody for critical devices.

Thanks to our cloud-based system, real-time tracking and alerts can notify you if a device hasn’t been returned, so you can act quickly to prevent potential security breaches.

Data-Driven Decisions for Better Service

One of the greatest advantages of our cloud-based smart lockers and vending machines is the wealth of data they provide. LapSafe® solutions give you real-time insight into device usage, demand trends, and service times. This data allows you to anticipate needs, optimise stock levels, and make informed decisions about future investments in IT equipment.

For example, if you notice that a particular peripheral is always running low, you can ensure they’re restocked more frequently. Or, if you see that certain devices aren’t being used as much, you can reallocate them to departments with greater demand. This means your IT resources are always working where they’re needed most.

A Smarter Future for NHS IT Infrastructure

LapSafe® Smart Lockers and peripheral vending machines, powered by our unique cloud-based management software, ONARKEN®, are more than just a convenient way to manage devices—they’re an essential tool for driving digital innovation, supporting sustainability, and improving efficiency across NHS organisations. By automating routine tasks, enhancing security, and providing valuable data insights, these solutions can transform how IT teams manage assets, freeing up time and resources to focus on more pressing challenges.

As you continue to support the NHS in its long-term goals, consider how LapSafe®’s innovative technology can help meet the demands of today while building a more sustainable, efficient, and secure future.

If you’d like to learn more about how LapSafe® can integrate into your IT infrastructure, contact us today.