NHS England has published its 2025/26 priorities and operational planning guidance, with a focus on local prioritisation and planning, reducing wait times, improving access and patient flow, and more. In a foreword by Amanda Pritchard, the chief executive highlighted improvements in services and productivity, but noted that in areas like elective […]
Author: Jennifer Turton
Panel discussion: Utilising data to transform primary care, support operational efficiencies, and improve outcomes
For a recent HTN Now panel discussion, we were joined by a panel of experts from across the health sector to discuss how general practice, PCNs, and ICBs can utilise data and leverage technology to support operational efficiencies and improvements across primary care. Panellists included Kathryn Salt, assistant director of primary […]
Scotland’s First Minister’s speech: Scottish health and social care app roll-out to start end of 2025
In a speech this week at the National Robotarium in Edinburgh, Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, outlined plans around innovation, the Scottish health and social care app, Hospital at Home, and “better use of data”, as well as the potential for new technologies such as AI and robotics to “modernise” […]
Five innovation projects across Northern Ireland and Wales win share of £1 million
Five projects across Northern Ireland and Wales have been awarded a share of £1 million as part of the SBRI Cancer Challenge, which seeks innovations with the potential to offer earlier and faster diagnosis, reduced waiting times, and improved treatment for cancer patients. The five innovations include CYTED Ltd’s early […]
Ransomware consultation on mandatory incident reporting and ban on payments opens
A consultation has opened to explore proposals to increase incident reporting and reduce payments to cyber-criminals, with the aim of reducing the threat posed by malicious ransomware software. The government recognises that whilst “it may seem like a necessary evil to pay a ransom” to end disruption and resume normal […]
Interview: Kumar Satyam, digital health consultant and chair for the technical committee at HL7 India
We recently had the opportunity to chat with Kumar Satyam (Satyam), digital health consultant and chair for the technical committee at HL7 India. Satyam discussed his views on the importance of interoperability and de-centralisation within healthcare, sharing examples of his work in this area in practice as well as his […]
NHS England’s December virtual ward update shares insight into occupancy and capacity
NHS England has published the latest figures for virtual wards from December 2024, sharing insight into capacity and occupancy, and allowing for comparison of the health service’s current position with the long-term ambition to reach “40-50 virtual ward beds per 100,000 people” outlined in the 2023/24 Priorities and Operational Planning […]
App to help manage care and coordinate interventions to be piloted in West Yorkshire
An app designed to help healthcare professionals document, manage and coordinate care for children and young people with complex needs is to be piloted in West Yorkshire thanks to funding from Innovate UK. EnrichMyCare, part of the 2024 Health Innovation Propel YH Accelerator Programme, was developed by a specialist paediatric […]
Panel discussion: Digital in supporting NHS reform, modernising services, shifting from hospital to community, and supporting the move from reactive to proactive care
For a recent HTN Now webinar, we were joined by a panel of experts to discuss the role of digital in supporting NHS reform – modernising services, shifting from hospital to community, and supporting the move from reactive to proactive care. Panel members shared their insight and experience from a […]
SW London ICS digital strategy 2025 – 2028: developing digital infrastructure, integrating systems, harnessing data, empowering citizens, encouraging innovation, and more
South West London ICS has published its digital strategy for 2025 – 2028 setting out a digital vision prioritising citizen and health professional empowerment, joined up patient pathways, and the “seamless” provision of health and care services for all citizens, “supported by new technologies”. The strategy sets out five digital […]
