Cynthia Spencer case study

Industry: Charity

Solution: Ultrafast FTTP connectivity

Location: Northampton

Our customer

The Northampton based hospice Cynthia Spencer, provide palliative care services to patients. Their focus is on providing quality of life and respecting the uniqueness of each person.

Background

Cynthia Spencer Hospice provides specialist palliative care across Northamptonshire, focusing on quality of life and personalised support for patients and families.

With annual running costs of over £2.4 million, the hospice relies on the generosity of the local community, including businesses like dbfb.

Our relationship began in 2016, after the passing of our Co-Founder and Finance Director, Bill Oliver, who received care at the hospice. In his memory, we pledged an initial £5,000 donation, followed by £50 for every CityFibre connection through dbfb. We also donated a CityFibre Ethernet line, free of charge from 2016 to 2021, which the hospice continues to use today.

Challenge

Cynthia Spencer needed a reliable and resilient internet connection to support patients, staff and services, without adding to their financial burden. For patients, staying connected with family through FaceTime, WhatsApp and other platforms is a vital part of their wellbeing. In-room TVs and tablets also play a quiet but important role in offering comfort and familiarity. But all of this relies on strong, uninterrupted connectivity.

With so much of the hospice’s work dependent on digital tools, they needed a solution that was not only robust and secure, but also affordable and able to adapt to future needs.

Solution

To meet the hospice’s digital needs without adding financial pressure, dbfb partnered with CityFibre to install a dedicated gigabit Ethernet line. Donated entirely by dbfb from 2016 to 2021, the business-grade connection provided speeds up to 1Gbps. This easily supported real-time video calls, bedside streaming apps, and multiple connected devices across the site.

Installation was completed with minimal disruption, and the service was fully managed to ensure consistent performance from the outset. Unlike standard broadband, the CityFibre Ethernet connection offered guaranteed speeds, built-in resilience, and 24/7 support. These features are essential in a care environment where downtime is not an option.

As the hospice’s needs evolved, dbfb continued to support them through a subsidised service renewal. This ensures Cynthia Spencer remains connected through a reliable and future-proof solution that supports both patient comfort and operational needs.

Key benefits

• Estimated savings of £30,000

• Safe and reliable communication for patients

• Fully managed, future-ready connectivity

• Round-the-clock support with minimal disruption

Results

The connectivity provided by dbfb has had a lasting impact on patients and staff alike. During the pandemic, when in-person visits were restricted, the line enabled safe FaceTime calls between patients and loved ones. This helped maintain a vital sense of connection at a time of intense isolation.

Beyond the pandemic, the high-speed line continues to support bedside TVs, tablets and day-to-day operations. With fewer service issues, stronger reliability and no added financial strain, the hospice has saved an estimated £30,000. These savings can be reinvested into care services, where they are needed most.

““dbfb’s donated gigabit line made a real difference. Especially during the pandemic, enabling safe FaceTime calls when visits weren’t possible. Reliable access to bedside TVs and tablets was essential, and we’re truly grateful for their support.”

Sarah Bolland, Matron – Cynthia Spencer Hospice Inpatient Unit

Thanks to dbfb’s continued support, Cynthia Spencer remains connected with a service that quietly powers the moments that matter most.