NHS announces extra £1b to accelerate digital transition

New framework will have budget up to £2.5 billion

NHS raises budget for new attempt to go fully digital.

The NHS plans to increase its spending on a massive technology framework to £2.5 billion, in efforts to speed the transition from analogue to digital systems.

The NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has issued a procurement notice for the Digital Workplace Solutions 2 framework, seeking contractors with expertise in data processing, software development, and IT infrastructure management.

The framework is a crucial component of the NHS's broader digital strategy. Originally valued at £1.5 billion, it has now been expanded to £2.5 billion following consultations with suppliers in the past year.

The additional funding, secured through a combination of increased budgetary allocations and reallocated resources, will be used to upgrade hardware, software and data capabilities.

The contract will see 30 tech suppliers, including resellers and OEMs, working with the NHS on a wide range of digital projects.

One of the initiative’s key priorities is to create a comprehensive digital front door to the NHS. This involves enhancing the existing NHS app to provide patients with greater control over their healthcare data and facilitate easier access to services.

Additionally, the NHS plans to implement fully digital patient records, eliminating the reliance on paper-based systems that persist in many hospitals and clinics.

The framework agreements resulting from contract process will provide the NHS with access to a wide range of technology solutions, including commercial off-the-shelf software, bespoke software development, and infrastructure support.

The significant increase in framework spending comes after NHS SBS engaged with suppliers and customers to gather feedback and identify areas where additional investment was needed.

The new framework is set to begin in May 2024 and run until 2029, with contracts being awarded later this year.

Suppliers are currently competing for their share of the deal, with the competition closing in November.

To ensure the framework delivers maximum value for money, NHS SBS says it will be assessing bidders based on their experience, capabilities and commitment to sustainability and social value.

The investment aligns with the government's commitment to transforming the NHS into a digital-first organisation.

The NHS has long recognised the critical importance of digital technology in addressing the challenges it faces, such as the backlog of patients and the need for more efficient care delivery. However, the actual process of modernisation has always been difficult – with previous plans like care.data and the GPDPR running beset by problems until their eventual abandonment.

Earlier this month, Health Secretary Wes Streeting made a statement to the Parliament acknowledging the NHS has lagged behind the private sector in technology adoption, leading to inefficiencies and delays in patient care.

In a recent speech, Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated the urgent need for modernisation.

"There will be no extra funding for the NHS without reform," he said.

Starmer pointed out that many patients currently face the frustrating task of repeatedly recounting their medical history to different healthcare professionals because records are not consistently stored electronically.

"We've got to have fully digital patient records," he said, adding that this would be key to improving the overall efficiency and quality of care.