Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock, has launched his vision for technology and how it can influence the future of healthcare. Matt Hancock is determined to ensure that outdated NHS IT systems are no longer a hindrance to the service. Instead, with his new vision; The Future of Healthcare, he hopes that the UK can have the most advanced healthcare system in the world.
Technology Upgrades
The Future of Healthcare publication talks about the NHS having the right level of technology so that it can access real-time data. The vision also outlines a plan to have a minimum standard for technology. This will, therefore, become a standard that IT systems and digital service will have to adhere to. The standard will include technology being upgradable and having the ability to ‘talk’ to each other securely to provide real-time data.
Under the plan set out by Matt Hancock, any technology that fails to meet the minimum standards will have to be phased out. Furthermore, the government will terminate contracts with providers who are unable to provide or do not understand the principles required for the health and care sector.
CCG Freedom
As well as having technology standards, the Future of Healthcare also sets out a plan that clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) will have the ability to buy what they need. This plan hopes to increase competition with providers. It also hopes to improve the user experience and ensure there are better tools for everyone.
The NHS Technology Revolution?
Matt Hancock says; “The tech revolution is coming to the NHS. These robust standards will ensure that every part of the NHS can use the best technology to improve patient safety, reduce delays and speed up appointments.” Furthermore, the government is inviting technology experts, NHS staff and suppliers to share their knowledge to ensure the standards are at their best for users.
The government hopes that asking to hear from a diverse selection of people will help to improve the technology standards and ensure that the UK has the most advanced health and care service in the world.
Dr Simon Eccles also supports the Future of Healthcare document as he believes that by having the right technology, it ensures patients have access to the safest treatment. He also adds that taking swift action on technology would be the best value for taxpayers.
The Chief Executive of NHS Digital, Sarah Wilkinson, also adds that the use of connected systems will help to ensure clinicians have access to all of the relevant patient data that they need in real time. These connected systems can also help to eliminate misinformation and misunderstanding too.
You can read the policy paper, The Future of Healthcare here.
Article source: GOV.UK
