475 Million Pledged in NHS Digitisation Overhaul

The NHS will receive 475 million to digitise the health service and improve patient care

Digital transformation is becoming a non-negotiable for enterprises operating within the 21^st Century. The act of digitisation, or making the analogue into digital form or process, has become paramount to the survival of business; this revolution can be seen in every sector: banks turning to apps, high street stores adapting or forced out of business by online providers, now health-care is receiving a much-needed upgrade to the digital era. Recently appointed Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced the NHS will receive 487 million to radicalise the health care’s service in the digital world.

As the appointed Secretary of State for Digital and Culture – Matt Hancock has wasted little time to outline his plans for a digital future. It makes sense. The Scandinavian health-care model, often quoted as some of the best in the world, have been employing various digitised methods for ten years. And if you look at the South Korean model it’s even longer. Health and technology are inseparable when it comes to providing a greater, more efficient and timely service for patients.

Of the 475million, £400 million will go directly to new technology in hospitals. As well as a further £75 million to install new software and systems.

It’s difficult to raise issues with health care and not feel snubbed of money or resources. However, a successful digital campaign is paramount for the future of the NHS. Early statistics show that digitisation could reduce clinical errors by 50% versus the old paper systems. Technology needs to be embraced if we are to survive in this digitally-orientated world.

“Technology and data innovation offers an opportunity to move past this binary approach.”

So how does a digitised NHS relate to me? Well, for example it will soon be possible to book your GP appointments through an app.  Matthew Swindells, Director of Operations, says of this latest development that:

“In the NHS’s 70th year, the new app will take the NHS to a world-leading position by empowering all our patients using digital technology to take charge of their own healthcare and contact the NHS in a way that suits them.”

A patient barcode’ tracking system in hospitals is a development he claims has already saved £8.7 million. Other examples include voice-activated devices, particularly to benefit visually-impaired users.

Other ways that digitisation can improve the running of health care include the use of AI. Prime Minister, Theresa May, earlier this year pledged millions of pounds to use AI to improve early diagnosis of cancer and chronic disease.

Digitisation is here to stay. Actually, it’s here to grow. Like swimming in chainmail, the best thing to do is change, adapt, not stay the same and sink. Whatever your company’s sector, digitisation has never been important. We offer a tried and proven guide to Digital Transformation. Whether working with us, or taking insight from our blogs and free guides, Timico are here with you every step of your digital journey.