A New Era of Digital Ambition
A couple of months ago the British Government announced the unveiling of its NHS 10-Year Plan, chock-full of bold plans to reshape Britain’s healthcare infrastructure for a modern future. The announcement of a ‘Single Patient Record’, an updated NHS app with AI capabilities and Digital GPs are just a handful of the many updates in this 170-page plan ensuring that the spotlight is once again on digital transformation in British healthcare.
Since the plan made its debut at the beginning of the month, its talk of AI triage tools and virtual wards emphasise the extent of the ambition involved. A more tech-enabled and efficient NHS is clearly the goal, but whilst digitalisation is accelerating, recent events suggest these solutions alone may not be enough.
Cyber Threats and the Need for Trust
Cyberattacks on healthcare systems are becoming more frequent, directly impacting patient safety and trust. Last year a cyber-attack paralysed multiple London hospital trusts and GP practices leading to thousands of delays, with some services remaining affected months later. Following this the government introduced a new voluntary Cyber Security Charter for NHS suppliers requiring them to uphold eight core principles that strengthen cyber resilience across the NHS supply chain. Given that this is purely voluntary and the 10-year plan is pushing for the full digitalisation of patient data it’s clear that healthcare’s data security infrastructure must evolve in parallel with its digital services.
The NHS is no stranger to digital transformation programmes like this. Pioneering the National Program for IT in 2002, launching the NHS app and NHS 111 Online, and weathering the rapid digital demands imposed by the COVID-19 Pandemic are just a few examples. As with those instances, true digital progress often experiences challenges. So, how do we make sure digital health systems stay secure and efficient as healthcare networks grow?
Blockchain’s Promise for Protecting Patient Data
Healthcare decision-makers are actively seeking more secure and efficient methods for handling data. Yet, a significant number of organisations in the sector continue to depend on legacy and disconnected data storage solutions, which heighten risk and exposure to data breaches. Blockchain technology stands out as a promising answer to these challenges. It offers a robust secure and scalable framework for managing patient information and strengthening data protection throughout the healthcare landscape by providing a tamper-proof, decentralised ledger. Additionally, blockchain allows for a unified platform in which patient records can be shared effortlessly between providers, promoting consistent care for individuals regardless of their location. Through its unalterable and interoperable record-keeping capabilities, blockchain gives confidence to healthcare professionals, researchers, and pharmaceutical partners that their information remains accurate, secure, and fully aligned with regulatory requirements.
With the launch of a ‘single patient record’ on the horizon, healthcare is moving rapidly towards fully digitised patient records and AI-powered services; but with it comes an increased risk to public health data, with each new app, device, or integration point potentially creating a new security risk and point of vulnerability. With a Single Patient Record, the stakes are growing, and a single breach has the potential to be catastrophic.
Unlike traditional databases, which concentrate control in a single system, blockchain distributes authority across a decentralised network. This means there is no single point of control that, if compromised, could expose millions of records at once. By distributing control, blockchain reduces the likelihood of large-scale breaches and provides a secure, time-stamped record of all interactions, making changes easier to track and attempts at tampering easier to prevent.
Opportunities and Obstacles on the Path to Adoption
As the health sector continues to mature in the digital space, we must move beyond patching vulnerabilities and instead design security into the foundation of our health infrastructure. Blockchain is one of the few technologies that can do this at scale. Blockchain gives the NHS an opportunity to not only protect patient data but empowers patients with true ownership, control, and transparency over who can access their information.
Of course, blockchain is not a panacea for all of healthcare’s data challenges. Adoption at scale requires significant investment, technical integration with legacy NHS systems, and robust governance to ensure privacy and compliance. That said, it’s not a cure-all — success depends on thoughtful implementation. Without the necessary infrastructure and oversight, even the most innovative technologies risk adding complexity rather than delivering lasting value. With growing momentum across the industry and increasing recognition of its potential, blockchain is well-positioned to become a cornerstone of a more connected and resilient healthcare ecosystem.
Safeguarding the Future of NHS Digital Care
Ultimately, the NHS 10-Year Plan signals a bold and overdue commitment to modernising healthcare through technology in the UK. But in chasing innovation, we must not lose sight of the foundations. A tech-enabled NHS will only succeed if it earns and keeps the trust of its users; and trust is built not just on access and efficiency, but on privacy, protection and security. An issue that continues to be top of mind for much of the public. Blockchain may not be a fix-all, but it offers a powerful starting point for securing the future of digital health. As the NHS enters its latest phase, embedding resilient, security-centric systems will be just as critical as deploying AI triage and single-click booking if the government is to deliver on the promise of a digital NHS.
By Ásgeir Oskarsson, Managing Director, BSV Association