A 12 month digital strategy update from The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust has marked “significant” progress in patient engagement, data, new tech, and AI.
The trust’s EPR is listed by the board as a key objective for the year ahead, with the EPR programme agreed and work progressing. “Significant” progress is also noted around patient engagement and the development of the pre-operative assessment pathway, which has entered its first phase.
Meditech triage implementation has been scheduled, and the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is underway. Digital tools such as PowerBI are helping to analyse trust productivity, with the board also noting that digital is helping to reduce labour-intensive processes for the trust’s priority of waiting list validation. The trust plans to roll out electronic triage in additional specialties, with scores visible in PowerBI to improve prioritisation and efficient use of clinic and theatre capacity.
The Rotherham sets out aims around integrating AI, and so far the trust has put in place a structured approach to measuring benefits, with initiatives including data academies and the launch of an AI subgroup highlighted. A cautious approach is reportedly being taken to the use of AI in clinical settings, but it is currently in use in non-clinical settings for administrative tasks. The DNA AI tool has demonstrated a positive impact on DNA rates for specialties, with full rollout completed in November and the trust monitoring ongoing outcomes.
The board reviewed the medical recovery plan and contingencies for system downtime, sharing that cyber resilience testing has commenced with a focus on prolonged attack scenarios. “Cyber security remains strong, and collaboration with suppliers continues to ensure resilience,” it states.
On data, The Rotherham notes that work has begun toward utilising the Federated Data Platform, and inpatient data notifications have been implemented. More IT data is requested to help support decision-making in areas including RTT performance, financial spending, and activity. A review of data quality produced “positive findings” in relation to accuracy of 28-day cancer data, and work is now focusing on tackling challenges associated with a lack of PowerBI functionality that limits automated data extraction for national audits.
Wider trend: NHS trust digital strategy
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s latest digital strategy and new AI framework have set out objectives, principles, and guidelines on the implementation of technology across the trust and the future use of AI. Priority areas of focus for the next five years include electronic prescribing in community, exploring patient portal options, employing ambient voice technology, focusing on data-driven care, and pursuing EPR developments. Setting out an ideal patient journey in 2030, CWP looks to use voice technology, digital appointment management, options for direct communication with GPs, electronic prescriptions “straight from health record to pharmacy”, and shared care records to reduce duplication.
Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust have published their latest digital strategy, setting out a roadmap to 2031, with year one focuses including OneEPR design, infrastructure design and virtual hospital; before moving into AI integration, EPR optimisation, data platform deployment, AI-driven pathways, and “smart” hospital operations. By 2030, the trusts hope to have 80 percent of patients using the patient portal, to have reduced medication errors by 50 percent with EPR, to release 100,000 hours per year in time saved through automation, to reduce outpatient DNAs by 30 percent, and to have reduced admission for long-term conditions by 15 percent.
Our Dorset digital strategy to 2030 has been published, sharing the aim to create a “seamless, integrated digital ecosystem that empowers staff, improves patient experiences, and leverages emerging technologies like AI to deliver equitable, efficient, and person-centred care across all health and social care settings”. The strategy is centred around four strategic themes: efficiency and productivity; safe use; digitise, connect, transform; and research and innovation.
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.
