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NHS Scotland launches national digital platform for health and care

The Scottish government has launched a National Digital Platform for apps and digital services in health and social care.

Designed and delivered by NHS Education for Scotland along with partners from across health and social care, it’s said to provide standard infrastructure and components for digital tools to be built on and deployed across. NHS Scotland have stated that it is intended to work in the same “way that mobile phones use an Android or iOS platform.”

The platform will bring together cloud-based digital components and services, with an aim to make it easier to build or enhance technology solutions, and to be the “foundation for a health and social care revolution”.

Services currently using the platform include a tool for stroke assessments and vaccination management.

Humza Yousaf, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Scottish Government, said: “Within our health and social care system, services are steadily becoming available on digital platforms for those who wish to use them. It is important that these digital platforms work seamlessly together to ensure that people are able to access the right care, at the right place, at the right time.

“I welcome the launch of the National Digital Platform’s website which will offer useful information on using digital platforms and how the NDP can bring together multiple services in one place.”

Karen Reid, NES Chief Executive, added: “Already there are a handful of services using the Platform, but this is just the start. As an open platform just like you’d get on your phone, we’re making it possible for developers everywhere to come up with innovative apps to help us all.

“Ultimately, the platform will make it simpler to deliver technology that improves the care and wellbeing of people in Scotland.”

For more information please visit: www.nationaldigitalplatform.scot/