Enterprise Network Replacement Progamme

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) and North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) are in the process of merging into a single entity. The merger is expected to take place in June next year. A key success factor in the merger is the technical integration and interdependency of the IT network infrastructure, which is essential to achieving the strategic objectives of the merged entity. Reliable network infrastructure is essential for continuous delivery of patient care, business operations, and services throughout the merged organisation. This procurement is to replace the whole Network infrastructure across all sites within the UHBW Trust over a two-year period to align with NBT's Network Infrastructure and their incumbent supplier; BLOCK. The contract will be for a period of 5 years, during which it will bring in line NBT's BLOCK contract to a joint end date, and includes responsibility for the ongoing management, support and maintenance of the Network for the contract life. Within those 5 years, the total Network Infrastructure management, support and maintenance for the North Bristol Group will go out to competitive tender.