Digital inclusion - we're calling on you - North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

This is an internal staff campaign running from Monday 9 June 2025

Recycle your old device and help us to tackle patient digital exclusion.

Our Trust, in partnership with FurbdIT is looking for your donations of old, unused and unloved mobile and tablet devices.

With your support we can recycle old devices to improve the quality of care for patients who may not otherwise have access to one – helping to tackle digital exclusion for our patients who may have lack of access to data/technology. You may help a parent to track a child’s blood glucose meter, help a mum-to-be to access our new BadgerNote system or help a patient to keep track of their appointments.

How does the scheme work?

With the support of you and FurbdIT, donated mobile phones can be recycled and have a second life.

When you’re ready to donate your device and you have performed a factory reset you can hand in you device at our designated drop off points.

A factory reset phone that has been donated by a staff member will then be prepared for redistribution to patients and the wider-community through FurbdIT – helping to support eligible patients to ensure their healthcare is not disproportionately affected by lack of access to a phone.

How do I recycle my phone?

Prepare your phone by resetting it to factory default (See the below drop down guides).
Leave your phone at one of our drop off points.

User guides

Reset smartphone user guide

Before donating, please follow the instructions below on how to wipe the data from your smartphone and complete a factory reset.

iPhones

Tap Settings > General > Reset
Then tap Erase All Content and Settings.
You may be asked to enter your passcode or Apple ID password before you can proceed. Please see the Apple support pages if you have forgotten your passcode or forgotten your Apple ID.
Next, confirm that you want to erase your device.
Wait for your device to erase. Depending on your device, it can take some time to completely erase your data.
When completed, hold down the power button and turn it off.

Most android phones

Tap the Settings icon then scroll to the bottom of the settings menu.
Select System > Reset options.
Select Erase all data (factory reset).
Select Reset phone at the bottom.
Enter your PIN or password if prompted and then select Continue and select Erase everything.
Wait for your device to erase. Depending on your device, it can take some time to completely erase your data.
When completed, hold down the power button and turn it off.

Windows Phones

On Start, swipe over to the All Apps list, then select Settings.
Select System > About > Reset your phone.
You’ll receive two warnings. To restore your phone to its factory settings, select Yes, and then select Yes again.
Wait for your device to erase. Depending on your device, it can take some time to completely erase your data.
When completed, hold down the power button and turn it off.

Reset tablet user guide

Before donating, please follow the instructions below on how to wipe the data from your iPad or tablet, and complete a factory reset.

Ipads

Tap Settings > General > Reset
Then tap Erase All Content and Settings.
You may be asked to enter your passcode or Apple ID password before you can
proceed. Please see the Apple support pages if you have forgotten your passcode or forgotten your Apple ID.
Next, confirm that you want to erase your device.
Wait for your device to erase. Depending on your device, it can take some time to
completely erase your data.
When completed, hold down the power button and turn it off.

Tablets

Open Settings, and select System.
Select Reset options.
Select Erase all data (factory reset).
Select Reset Tablet at the bottom.
You’ll be asked to confirm, select Erase Everything.
Enter your PIN or password if prompted.
Wait for your device to erase. Depending on your device, it can take some time to
completely erase your data.
When completed, hold down the power button and turn it off.

Drop off locations

University Hospital of North Tees

Security office, main concourse

University Hospital of Hartlepool

Security office, main concourse

Who is FurbdIT?

FurbdIT, led and developed by the Hope Foundation in Middlesbrough, is a practical and accessible solution that helps to bridge the digital divide through the recycling, refurbishment and distribution of donated digital devices in the Tees Valley.

Find out more about FurbdIT