A roadmap for delivery of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust’s latest strategy to 2030 has outlined a series of digital priorities across the next four years, covering post-go-live EPR optimisation, piloting AI, cloud migration, and a device and infrastructure refresh.
For 2026-27, aims include publishing a new digital strategy, post-go-live optimisation of Epic EPR, completing a legacy system risk assessment and prioritised replacement plan, piloting AI solutions, redesigning data governance, and developing a pathology and genetics LIMS.
Year two focuses to 2028 cover the cloud migration of non-Epic solutions, and a device and infrastructure refresh, with an AI strategy also set to launch alongside initial AI pilots. By 2029, the trust hopes to complete the deployment of research platforms, expand regional partnerships, and make a series of cyber security upgrades. The final year of the strategy, to 2030, will cover integrated patient portal expansion and the evaluation of AI and automation outcomes.
Investments continue to be made in estates and digital maturity, and progress is being seen in stabilising the digital environment following Epic go-live with strengthened oversight around digital delivery. Challenges remain, according to BWC, relating to reliance on legacy systems and post-Epic data quality and reporting issues, as well as capacity pressures with digital and informatics teams.
Positive progress has been made in securing investment for targeted IT infrastructure upgrades, in the successful implementation of pilots to test digital solutions, and in strengthening collaboration with regional and national digital health initiatives, the trust records. Incremental upgrades are being made to critical IT systems, enhanced monitoring and interim protective measures are in place to mitigate risks from legacy systems, and strengthened oversight and reporting mechanisms have been developed to ensure the effective monitoring of IT projects.
Optimisation of the Epic EPR is “critical” to improving clinical workflows, data accessibility, and decision-making, the trust states. Work is ongoing to automate data flows from the Epic system to improve data completeness and quality, with a “significant opportunity” to harness health data in support of research and innovation.
BWC also notes progress in work up schemes associated with genomics, including £1.5 million for LIMS upgrade and middleware; £2.7 million to purchase robotic automation for extraction processes; and a £0.7 million investment in cancer sequencing capacity.
Wider trend: Digital transformation
Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust has highlighted progress around digital systems, AI, ambient voice and virtual care, and an upcoming upgrade to the AlderC@re EPR system to deliver additional functionality and keep pace with developments in AI and patient tools. Work is ongoing through the paediatric open innovation zone to develop its digital offer for families, including a digital portal offering access to health services. Ambient voice is now in place and integrated with Meditech, with more than 1,200 clinicians onboarded.
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust board has noted plans to introduce an emergency department digital front door and has highlighted how digital is supporting patient flow initiatives. The ED digital front door will offer automatic data transfer from the ambulance service to provide clinicians with faster access to patient information. In urgent and emergency care, digital and e-triage remain on track for delivery, with Royal Free agreeing a roadmap with NHSE and suppliers. Flow improvements are being supported by weekly specialty-specific deep dives into length of stay and daily mental health escalation calls.
West London NHS Trust’s latest digital strategy for 2025 – 2030 has been submitted for board approval, centred around six pillars, to cover robust infrastructure, cyber, systems optimisation, data and insights, AI and innovation, and empowering people. Estimated capital investment for the delivery of the digital strategy is £29 million, to be phased over five years, with “clear milestones and benefits realisation targets”. A digital PMO and programme boards will oversee each pillar.
