Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust works towards ‘A Greener NHS’ with Lexmark Smart Managed Print Services

AUH was running an unnecessarily complex fleet of print devices that was not only expensive to run, but difficult to manage. The lack of standardisation of device vendor resulted in increased consumables spending, excess paper wastage and a lack of security standardisation, which is vital when staff are managing and printing sensitive patient information. AUH engaged with Lexmark to review this printing environment and suggest and implement a solution to address these concerns.

Also, with the recent launch by Sir Simon Stevens, NHS Chief Executive, of the ‘For a greener NHS’ programme AUH were keen to demonstrate their efforts to significantly reduce paper and cartridge consumption and show smarter energy usage across the site – in line with their own paper-lite policy.

After a comprehensive and thorough audit of the current printing process across the AUH, which included an assessment of future requirements, Lexmark proposed a future proof solution that would help AUH to reduce paper output, printing costs and cartridge use whilst adopting a paper-lite approach to printing and improving security. Lexmark’s proposal included a flexible smart MPS platform consisting of an optimised mix of A4/A3, colour, black & white and multifunctional devices, which aimed to promote the use of mono printing where feasible in order to reduce costs.

Standardising AUH’s fleet into Lexmark throughout offered huge benefits, the single platform enabled staff to work in a more truly digital manner, removing unnecessary printing whilst providing a more efficient process for document management.

This platform helped AUH to develop paper-lite processes and embrace digital transformation. Lexmark also worked to improve the security of AUH’s print environment through its Secure Print Management solution, which ensures only staff with the correct credentials can access sensitive patient information at the device, and at the point of need.

Lexmark and AUH worked collaboratively throughout the implementation process ensuring the correct devices were deployed in the correct locations to address all of AUH’s pain points. This process enabled Lexmark to deliver a tailored solution that ensured each department within AUH had their unique print requirements met, whilst still minimising its costs and paper-lite objectives.

Device deployment was overseen by experts at Lexmark, who understand the technical specifications and how to ensure a smooth physical rollout of the devices within one demanding and confidence connected print infrastructure, but who are also respectful of the unique and sensitive environment they were asked to work in.

The rationalisation of devices and the successful implementation of Lexmark’s Smart Managed Print Services means that AUH has reached its intended goal of reducing the previous fleet by 70%.

Lexmark’s environmental focus and its ‘Print less’ multifunction products have allowed AUH to drive its own sustainability agenda with smarter energy and material consumption. This, together with the Lexmark Cartridge Collection Programme (LCCP), which has a zero-landfill policy, and offers an easy cartridge recycling process has enabled AUH to make its own contribution to the government’s ‘Net Carbon Zero’ target.