Rackspace Guest Blog: Future-Ready Cloud Strategy for Healthcare: The Power of Hybrid Cloud
Read the latest guest blog from Rackspace on the opportunities of cloud for the health sector
When the National Health Service (NHS) launched its cloud-first strategy in 2013, cloud computing became a focal point for NHS Foundation Trusts across the UK. However, interpretations of this strategy vary widely. Some trusts equate cloud adoption with simply hosting their electronic patient records (EPR), while others view the deployment of a single cloud-based SaaS solution as a comprehensive cloud strategy. Many still assume that cloud solutions must always be public.
Yet, cloud environments are more than just a storage solution—they are the backbone of the patient care of the future. The right cloud strategy can:
- Support AI and advanced digital technologies.
- Enable data sharing and interoperability.
- Scale patient care capacity efficiently.
- Reduce infrastructure costs.
However, the biggest challenge is that many organisations approach cloud migration as a one-off tactic rather than a holistic, long-term strategy. A flexible, customisable, and end-to-end cloud strategy is necessary to address both current and future needs.
Optimising to Drive Transformation
Enhancing patient care through digital innovation
Modern digital infrastructure enables clinicians to access comprehensive patient data, leading to better-informed decisions and improved patient outcomes. It supports key innovations such as telehealth, remote monitoring, AI-assisted diagnostics, and personalised treatments.
Despite high EPR adoption rates, compliance is still hindered by budget constraints and outdated IT infrastructure. A strategic cloud approach removes roadblocks, ensures system reliability, and enhances collaboration across integrated care models. By transitioning from maintaining legacy systems to investing in innovation, IT leaders can focus on digital transformation that directly impacts patient care.
Improving Your Security Posture
Ensuring resilience and protecting patient data
Healthcare remains a top target for cyberattacks, with breaches disrupting critical services and compromising patient records. While public cloud solutions offer scalability, they can introduce compliance risks. A hybrid cloud approach balances security and flexibility, ensuring data sovereignty while leveraging cloud-based analytics and AI tools without exposing sensitive information.
The rise in ransomware attacks underscores the need for robust security strategies. Strengthening cybersecurity through AI-driven threat detection, rapid incident response, and compliance management safeguards patient data and maintains continuity of care.
Doing More with Less
Maximising efficiency and cost-effectiveness
Managing on-premises data centres is expensive, and a fragmented cloud approach can lead to overspending. A well-planned cloud strategy shifts organisations from a capital expenditure (capex) model to a more predictable operational expenditure (opex) model, allowing for better budget control.
As healthcare spending continues to rise, cost savings from cloud optimisation can be reinvested in patient services, staffing, and new medical technologies. Strategic cloud adoption ensures transparent pricing, optimised vendor management, and seamless access to data across cloud environments, preventing unnecessary inefficiencies.
The Power of Hybrid Cloud: The Right Cloud for the Right Workload
A hybrid cloud strategy—combining public, private, and edge cloud environments—delivers the flexibility and security needed for healthcare transformation. Public cloud is not always the best fit for every workload, especially where there are large amounts of data involved, costs can become prohibitive and suffer from low predictability.
As NHS trusts advance their digital transformation, a forward-thinking cloud strategy will be key to optimising operations, strengthening security, and maximising efficiency. By leveraging the right mix of cloud technologies, healthcare organisations can unlock new possibilities for patient care and operational excellence.
If you want to find out more about the considerations and expectations of future ready cloud strategy you can download Rackspace Technology’s new e-book A Digital Transformation Roadmap for Healthcare.
Health and Social Care Programme activities
techUK is helping its members navigate the complex space of digital health in the UK to ensure our NHS and social care sector is prepared for the challenges of the future. We help validate new ideas and build impactful strategies, ultimately ensuring that members are market-ready. Visit the programme page here.
Upcoming events
Latest news and insights
President's Awards 2025 - Nominations Open!
Do you have a trailblazer in your team?
Do you work with an innovator or a problem solver?
Do you have an inspirational colleague who deserves the spotlight for their work? The President’s Awards are back for 2025 and open for nominations. All techUK members are encouraged to nominate one colleague.
Learn more and nominate
Learn more and get involved
Health and Social Care updates
Sign-up to get the latest updates and opportunities from our Health and Social Care programme.
