The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has spent more than £3.6 million on laptops, tablets, and mobile phones over the past three years as part of its drive to modernise working practices and accelerate digital transformation in health and social care.
Figures released under a Freedom of Information request reveal a sharp increase in IT spending between 2022 and 2024, with laptops accounting for the vast majority of the investment. The outlay rose from just over £530,000 in 2022–23 to nearly £2.8 million in 2023–24, before falling back sharply to £248,000 in the current financial year.
Of the total, £3.1 million was spent on laptops, £380,000 on mobile phones, and £91,000 on iPads. The steep rise in laptop purchases in 2023–24—climbing from roughly £500,000 the year before to £2.63 million—was the main driver of the surge.
The investment comes ahead of the government’s Spending Review 2025, which has committed up to £10 billion by 2028–29 to strengthen the NHS and social care, expand the workforce, and embed technology more deeply into healthcare delivery. The DHSC’s spending reflects the broader government strategy of boosting digital capacity across public services to increase efficiency, improve patient outcomes, and support long-term innovation.
Commenting on the figures, Sachin Agrawal, UK managing director at business software firm Zoho, said the investment was a vital step in future-proofing the sector. “Equipping employees with modern technology is essential not only for collaboration and agility, but also for building lasting resilience across the sector,” he said. “By prioritising digital infrastructure, organisations can strengthen operational effectiveness and contribute to the UK’s broader ambitions in digital transformation and responsible AI adoption.”
The shift also highlights how the DHSC is adapting to new ways of working following the pandemic, when hybrid and remote arrangements became commonplace. Officials believe ensuring staff have access to up-to-date devices is key to maintaining service delivery, supporting collaboration, and laying the groundwork for future technology adoption.
While the spending has dipped in the current financial year, analysts say the surge in 2023–24 likely reflects bulk purchasing ahead of wider upgrades. It is expected that future outlays will align with ongoing reforms under the Spending Review and the government’s broader £10 billion commitment.
The investment underscores the scale of the digital challenge facing health and social care, which has often lagged behind other sectors in adopting new technology. With demand for services rising and resources under pressure, policymakers see digital transformation as essential to improving efficiency and ensuring resilience in the years ahead.
