NHS Devon ICB is to award a contract to CHS Healthcare Software Limited for the provision of a continuing healthcare end-to-end person management system, designed to connect the entire lifecycle into one platform.
The ICB hopes to use CHS Healthcare’s digital solution to replace two existing systems, including an “off-the-shelf record system” at Devon ICB and a bespoke system in Torbay and South Devon. It will be used to “deliver enhanced transformation across all spectrums of the service”, improve the flow of information between multiple processes and manage Devon’s caseload as well as their combined legacy data, which is made up of around 3000 records, according to the ICB.
Key requirements for the project include interoperability to “support improved accessibility and visibility of data” and a “service-wide transformation” to be implemented across clinical, business, performance, finance and contracting, commissioning and other health and social care areas.
The contract with CHS Healthcare is said to begin on 1 October 2025 and last until 30 September 2029, with a possible 3-year extension and an estimated value of £612,500. The award decision was made 12 September 2025, with the standstill period ending 23 September 2025.
NHS Devon ICB recently published their five-year Joint Forward Plan to 2030, highlighting the role of digital in achieving the system’s strategic aims. Emphasis was placed on the progress of the Devon and Cornwall Care Record and the One Devon Dataset, while the plan also outlines several key objectives for years 1-2, years 3-4, and year 5+ around population health.
Digital initiatives across Devon
As part of a panel discussion, we spoke to Kath Potts, chief digital officer at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, about her experiences with the primary – secondary care interface, including her role in implementing the One Devon EPR system. Kath shared details about her latest projects and offered insights on the challenges with interoperability, balancing priorities and short-term goals.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is piloting ambient voice technology from TORTUS, with an aim to support administrative tasks and reduce the time it takes to produce medical notes. The trust has also upgraded its MY CARE patient portal platform, introducing digital appointment reminders, appointment confirmation, pre-appointment information and tasks and appointment cancellation requests for northern services, where text messages and emails will be utilised alongside the platform.
Earlier in the year, NHS Devon ICB shared an update on its Primary Care Access Recovery Plan, highlighting “good progress” on delivery, a focus on tackling variation and a potential saving of £19 million through digital advancements. According to this latest update, patients in 82.9 percent of practices are now able to view their records and practice messages using the NHS App, whilst 95.8 percent of practices have enabled online appointment booking and 100 percent have activated functionality for ordering repeat prescriptions.
