Inquiry to examine progress on digital transformation of NHS

MPs have launched a new inquiry to examine government progress on achieving a digitally enabled health system across the NHS.

Despite successes like using data analytics to support the vaccine roll-out, the independent Wade-Gery review of data, digital and tech reported the NHS was ‘too far away’ from being able to achieve digital transformation.

In response to the review, the Health and Social Care Committee called for NHS England to produce a roadmap as a matter of urgency.

The inquiry will assess government progress to date on moving towards a digital approach to healthcare and establishing what further steps need to be taken.

MPs will also consider the need to develop public trust, with polling suggesting a third of people are unconvinced about the long-term use of digital in the NHS and the need for reassurance about data security.

The RECOVERY trial, led by Professor Martin Landray that established the benefits of dexamethasone to reduce patient deaths during the pandemic, has been highlighted by the Government as a data success story.

Health and Social Care Committee Chair Jeremy Hunt MP said: ‘The success of the RECOVERY dexamethasone trial leading to hundreds of thousands of lives being saved shows what can be done when you put the right data in the hands of medical researchers.

‘Though the Government has committed itself to bringing about a digital transformation of the NHS an independent review found it was way off achieving this goal.

‘We will be challenging Ministers on what actions they are taking to put data, digital and tech at the heart of transforming not only the NHS but the lives of patients.’

The Committee is inviting written submissions to the inquiry by 10 June addressing a range of points, such as how the government can communicate the benefits of digital approaches in healthcare to the public, how IT platforms used in NHS hospitals compare with those used in hospitals in the United States, and how the government can foster co-operation between the NHS and private sector to develop and implement innovation in healthcare.

Photo by National Cancer Institute