The services work together to recycle ‘end of life’ mobile phones, tablets and laptops, screens and keyboards, that can no longer be used by MPFT staff.
NHS equipment reaches its end of life after four years, when it must be replaced to ensure security. Rather than dispose of this serviceable equipment, MPFT Digital collect it and hand it over to SSHIS, who wipe the equipment of all data and NHS software allowing it to be gifted to those in our communities experiencing digital poverty.
So far, the partnership has permitted MPFT to gift equipment to service users and patients, local school children and communities, directly and in partnership with like-minded charities like Free IT Stafford. A Trustee of the charity said: “With the kind support of MPFT we've been able to rehome 434 laptops and 32 desktop PCs for community benefit in Staffordshire and beyond. That's at least 456 lives completely changed by the opportunities these devices have created. We're extremely grateful for the support and the donations of end-of-service equipment and we'll continue to work closely with MPFT to ensure nothing is wasted.”
Stafford Manor High School happily accepted a donation of equipment which was gifted to students and families in need. Headteacher Reece Adams said: “This will provide access to ICT and electronic learning resources for a range of our most disadvantaged families.”
Users of MPFT’s Children’s Diabetic Service in Stoke-on-Trent have also benefitted from donated mobile phones and data sim cards to allow them and their families to effectively monitor blood sugars using a digital platform, offering them greater freedom to live their lives.
The partnership contributes to MPFT’s Green Plan by taking positive action towards sustainability and forms part of MPFT’s Digital Strategy. MPFT Digital also tackle digital exclusion by delivering digital skills workshops to local people and work in partnership with the Good Things Foundation to gift free data sim cards to service users who can’t afford a mobile phone contract.