Transforming Data Security for the NHS
Royal Cornwall NHS Trust operates in one of the most logistically challenging areas of the UK. With healthcare sites scattered across a large rural region, managing IT assets at end-of-life was not just a technical challenge – it was a significant operational and legal risk.
The Trust needed a solution that would reduce cost, increase efficiency, and most importantly – protect patient data with absolute certainty.
That’s when they partnered with Data Safe Solutions.
The Challenge: A Hidden Risk Worth Millions
Before our collaboration, Royal Cornwall relied on external contractors for secure data destruction. Their internal review painted a stark picture:
💸 A single data breach through a third-party supplier could cost the Trust up to £13.2 million – not including the reputational damage.
They were also struggling with:
- They were also struggling with:
- Physically removing hard drives from devices
- Lack of real-time proof of destruction
- Significant time wasted transporting equipment across sites
- Dependence on suppliers they could not fully control
These inefficiencies created real, measurable risk.
The Turning Point: Taking Control
Royal Cornwall NHS made a strategic decision – they no longer wanted to just manage risk. They wanted to eliminate it.
Their goal?
To become both data controller and data processor, taking full ownership of the disposal process from start to finish.
That meant:
- Bringing all data destruction in-house
- Removing third-party suppliers from the chain
- Automating asset logging and certification
- Enabling destruction at the point of collection
They turned to us to make it happen.
The Solution: Built for the NHS
We deployed the Data Safe Solutions system directly into their IT operations.
With our solution in place, their engineers can:
- Collect equipment across sites
- Plug devices directly into DSS Mobile units
- Initiate certified, standards-compliant data destruction
- Print or scan QR-coded destruction certificates instantly
- Upload full reports to the cloud for audit and compliance
No third party. No delay. No question.
They were determined to remove the uncertainty from their processes. With DSS, they did exactly that.
The Impact: Lower Risk, Greater Confidence
What changed after implementation?
- Data protection risk cut drastically
- Logistical overhead reduced across the Trust
- Staff time freed up from manual recording tasks
- Proof of destruction made instant and irrefutable
- Compliance strengthened, especially for GDPR, NHS DSPT and internal audits
- Costs lowered, not just in disposal, but across the entire asset lifecycle
This wasn’t just about improving a process. It was about transforming it.
They were determined to remove the uncertainty from their processes. With DSS, they did exactly that.
Built for the NHS. Trusted Nationwide.
This solution wasn’t built in isolation – it was developed in partnership with NHS professionals who understand the reality of working under pressure, across sites, with zero tolerance for error.
It’s now in use with NHS Trusts across the UK, local authorities, and critical public sector partners.
Ready to Eliminate Risk in Your Organisation?
If you’re responsible for IT asset disposal, information governance, or data compliance, and you’re still relying on external suppliers or manual processes — it’s time to rethink your approach.
Let’s show you how secure, certified, and self-managed data destruction can work for you.
