Our new Government’s manifesto spoke of the opportunity for NHS transformation, but it lacked the specifics on how this transformation will happen. Labour have committed to using technology, such as AI, and removing planning barriers for new datacentres which will speed up diagnostic services. This forward-thinking approach could significantly improve healthcare outcomes.
To deliver on this, significant funds have been allocated by the previous government. The Spring Budget announced a £4.2 billion boost for the healthcare sector, with £3.4 billion set aside for the NHS over three years to enhance the system through increased investment in technology.
However, with uncertainty about how these new funds will be used under the new government. This leaves the path to drive lasting, positive change across the sector unclear, for now.
The challenge undoubtedly lies in overcoming the legacy of outdated and unsuitable policies that stifle this much needed change. The success of using AI in diagnostics and transforming patient outcomes will rely heavily on the availability of skilled personnel, robust infrastructure and a substantial investment in cybersecurity to protect sensitive patient data from breaches and cyberattacks. So where do we start?
Don’t just throw money at the problem
Ultimately, the goal is to save £3.5 billion over the next five years by making things more efficient, in line with the NHS Long-term Workforce Plan. Which sounds simple? Well, yes and no.
Whilst most of us would agree that increased investment into our nation’s health can only be a good thing, some worry that “throwing money at the problem” isn’t the answer – and in part I’d agree. However, it’s important that we don’t discount the opportunity before we get going. After all, it would be remiss of us to understate the benefits that digital transformation has already delivered and continues to bring to the table.
For context, the National Audit Office reported in 2018 that previous investment in new technologies across the sector had been “expensive and largely unsuccessful” and questioned whether any lessons had been learned. As recently as March 2024, Professor Pat Cullen, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing said: “Technology is transformative in healthcare, but you still need enough staff to use it, yet the chancellor did not face up to his NHS workforce plan now heading in the wrong direction. Fewer people are starting nurse courses, not more. When nursing staff are already forced to give care in corridors and treat 15 patients at a time, his productivity plan must not ask them for even more.”
Continuing the momentum to date
So, mistakes have certainly been made and must be learned from. But it’s equally important that we continue to build on achievements to date, and not discount the strides that have been made in technology-powered healthcare.
- We’ve seen NHS Digital (now the Digital Directorate within NHS England) leverage technology and data to support better care and boost efficiency, particularly with the launch of HSCN and the NHS app.
- The National Pathology Imaging Co-operative (NPIC) is helping accelerate cancer diagnosis and improve the speed at which pathology results are delivered. This is enabling real-time, cross-team collaboration, with clinicians leveraging data and AI to support one of the NPIC’s key objectives: reducing waiting times for cancer treatment.
- HMPPS and the Telemedicine programme opened new channels that allowed people going through the justice system to continue accessing healthcare services throughout the pandemic – an effective model for omnichannel care.
Looking at these projects as examples, it’s clear that with user-centred design, technology can drive better outcomes for patients and make life easier for staff on the frontline.
Back to basics
For digital transformation to truly succeed, the NHS must replace old legacy systems that are not designed for modern technology. Then and only then, can they adopt new approaches, keep pace of technical change and leverage emerging technologies to improve patient focused services. By partnering with credible tech suppliers, a collaborative approach is essential for de-risking digital delivery and ensuring peace of mind that new technologies are implemented effectively and cost-efficiently.
To be clear, this isn’t just about buying new gadgets. A sustainable future for our healthcare sector must involve change at a systemic level. In other words, greater education, improving population health and reducing health inequalities across the system – all of which will require much more than money. Where digital and technology investments are concerned, we need clear objectives and demonstrable benefits realisation, so that the investment delivers tangible, positive outcomes across all levels of society.
The path to digital transformation is undoubtedly challenging. There’s certainly a lot to consider, and how the budget’s allocation will exactly play out with the new government. Newly elected policy makers will need to unburden the NHS within the budgetary restraints so they can marry the ideas of their pre-election manifesto with reality.
About the author
With over 15 years in IT, Zine Giles, Account Director at Exponential-e is a passionate advocate for leveraging data and technology to improve the lives of staff and patients. His expertise lies in crafting IT strategies that bridge the gap between cutting-edge advancements and tangible improvements in patient care and healthcare delivery systems.