Patients will benefit from more streamlined care and be able to make more informed choices about how and where they access treatment after plans to transform NHS data sharing have been brought forward.
The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the proposed transfer of NHS Digital’s functions into NHS England (NHSE) which were due to happen at the end of March 2023 will now happen in early January 2023. The move will create a single statutory body responsible for data and digital technology for the NHS – meaning patients will benefit from:
- A streamlined experience due to a reduced need to repeatedly share information across the health system
- The ability to make more informed choices about care by providing information about length of wait for treatment, making waiting lists by speciality and by provider, more accessible – a key part of Our plan for patients
- Easier access to electronic patient records through accelerated digital transformation services for patients
The move will build on the progress seen on digital transformation during the pandemic, driving efficiencies across the NHS as evidence suggests digitally mature providers are 10% more efficient than their less digitally mature peers. The DHSC says that accelerating the transfer will lead to faster improvements in cooperation between the key digital bodies of the NHS by bringing them under one roof for the first time. This will ensure the health and care sector is fully equipped to face the future and deliver for patients.
In line with commitments made to Parliament, NHS England will provide the same protections for people’s data as NHS Digital, while taking advantage of the merger to improve processes where possible. Working closely with partners, including the Information Commissioner and the National Data Guardian, DHSC and NHSE will ensure there continues to be rigorous internal controls to ensure that data is used and shared safely, securely and appropriately to:
- deliver high-quality care
- understand and protect the health of the population
- effectively plan and improve services
- research and develop innovative treatments, vaccines and diagnostics
The transfer, which is subject to parliamentary approval and agreement with the devolved administration, will help ensure that all the expertise and activity in relation to data and digital services are together in a single organisation, meeting a key recommendation of Laura Wade-Gery’s review: Putting data, digital and tech at the heart of transforming the NHS.
The DHSC claims that the changes will better support the recovery of NHS services, address waiting list backlogs, and support staff, while driving forward digital transformation and progress.
