NHSX and NHS Digital have agreed a deal with Microsoft that will see Microsoft 365 digital tools be deployed across the NHS.
The deal means NHS organisations will have access to Microsoft 365, including Microsoft Teams which was made available for free in March for 3 months.
It builds on from an agreement in April 2018 when Windows 10 was made available to NHS organisations. The timing coincides with the licence renewal period of a number of NHS organisations in England and also ensures that those organisations that have already made their own arrangements with Microsoft benefit from the deal.
Matt Hancock, Secretary of State said “Adopting the most up to date digital tools and operating systems are crucial for a modern day NHS – allowing staff to work as efficiently as possible which will deliver even better care for patients.”
“We have seen incredible, innovative uses of technology throughout the NHS during the covid-19 pandemic and this new deal with Microsoft will pave the way for that to continue by ensuring we get the basics right.”
Matthew Gould, CEO, NHSX said “This deal ensures that the NHS will get the best possible value for taxpayers, and is good news for our staff and patients.”
“This deal with Microsoft represents a saving of hundreds of millions of pounds. This is a direct result of negotiations led jointly by NHSX and NHS Digital. It means staff will have access to the best possible collaboration and productivity tools, and that our cyber defences are as strong as possible.”
Sarah Wilkinson, CEO, NHS Digital said “I’m delighted that we have been able to conclude these negotiations with Microsoft successfully. This deal will allow the NHS to derive productivity and collaboration benefits from the use of numerous Microsoft products and will strengthen cyber security across the system. I would also like to thank Microsoft for allowing NHS Digital to deploy numerous licences at no cost in recent months in response to the pandemic. They have been a superb partner throughout this crisis and we look forward to extending this partnership in the years ahead”.
Cindy Rose, CEO, Microsoft UK said “This agreement ensures NHS organisations across England have access to modern productivity tools and solutions necessary to delivering better patient outcomes now and in the future.”
