Tech and Innovation Improve Care and Deliver Tangible Savings for UK Hospitals

Cybersecurity in UK healthcare is under mounting pressure. As more embrace digital transformation, relying on more vendors, contractors, and interconnected devices, the risk of cyberattacks and breaches increases. Attacks like the 2024 Synnovis cyberattack, which disrupted over 11,000 NHS appointments and procedures and cost an estimated £32.7 million, reveal the implications of increasing threats in this changing landscape. In addition, Imprivata research reveals that 54% of organisations experienced a data breach due to unauthorised access via employees’ mobile devices. With the government’s Plan for Change calling for stronger digital defences, the need to safeguard systems and patient data is urgent.

The human impact of weak mobile security extends far beyond finances. Shared-use mobile devices—increasingly vital in busy hospitals—are often left signed in or used with shared credentials. According to recent Imprivata data, 77% of respondents admitted to sharing credentials, while 74% said devices were frequently left signed in after use. As a result, 55% of healthcare leaders are not fully confident in their ability to protect patient data on shared devices, a risk that threatens cybersecurity, operational resilience, and patient trust.

“Shared-use mobile devices represent one of the biggest opportunities to streamline workflows, save time, and improve patient care,” said Daniel Johnston, MRes, BSc, RN, Associate Chief Nursing Informatics Officer and Director of Clinical Operations at Imprivata, in a recent TechRound article. “However, achieving these benefits requires effective device management...clinical and IT staff alike recognise the tremendous value, but have not yet unlocked how to best optimise at scale.”

The 2025 Imprivata State of Shared Mobile Devices in Healthcare Report found that hospitals with shared mobile programs save an average of £522,000 annually compared to personal or 1:1 device models. Eighty-five per cent of respondents said mobile devices are now essential tools, and nearly all (98%) expect usage to rise within two years.

Hospitals also cited improved asset tracking, accountability, and compliance, with 69% highlighting better oversight and 65% reporting stronger regulatory alignment.

Looking ahead, the path to resilient healthcare will rely on balancing innovation with trust, security, and simplicity. Streamlined, secure mobile device access, coupled with single sign-on and passwordless authentication, can strengthen cyber defences while giving clinicians the freedom to focus more on patient care.

Learn how to optimise your mobile environment and mitigate risk with shared devices and secure access.