NHS Dorset’s board assurance framework, part of the ICB’s January board meeting, has explored risks around digital maturity as part of the strategic objective to improve outcomes to population healthcare, including insufficient resources, challenges around EHR, and a lack of progress on research and innovation. The risk, according to the […]
News
BSW digital strategy to 2028 sets out digital design principles for system-wide approach, highlights efficiencies of scale, information sharing, and simplification of the digital estate
Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire’s (BSW) digital strategy to 2028 has set out a series of digital design principles to guide a system-wide approach, highlighting priorities including efficiencies of scale, information sharing, and simplification of the digital estate. “A key design principle of the BSW Digital Strategy […]
Guidance issued by MHRA to develop safeguards, regulation and evaluation of digital mental health technologies
New guidance has been published by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), focusing on developing safeguards, regulation and evaluation for UK digital mental health technologies including mental health apps, AI-powered assessments, and virtual reality therapy. It notes that “some DMHTs qualify as software as a medical device (SaMD), and […]
Neighbourhood health guidelines 2025/26 recognise population health management and care coordination tech
NHS England has published guidance for progressing and delivering neighbourhood health, asking ICBs to plan a neighbourhood health and care model, with an initial focus on people with the most complex health and care needs. It notes the need to develop a consistent, system-wide population health management approach and to […]
Women’s health app launched in Cheshire and Merseyside
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, have launched an app to help women across the region find trusted health information, forming part of Cheshire and Merseyside Women’s Health Strategy, launched in March 2024. To app provides women in Cheshire and Merseyside with a “convenient one-stop shop for trusted sources of women’s health […]
University Hospital Southampton launches project linking health records and road crash data
A partnership between University Hospital Southampton and TRL, a global centre for innovation in surface transport and mobility, has launched with an aim to reduce road deaths by linking health records and road traffic collision data. Funded by £500,000 from the Department for Transport and the Road Safety Trust, the […]
Increase in patients using online self-referral services across NHS Mid and South Essex ICS
NHS Mid and South Essex ICS has reported a 34.8 per cent increase in the number of patients using its minor eye conditions online self-referral service over the past year. The online process allows patients to self-refer and access an optometrist for a range of minor eye conditions without needing […]
In focus: NHSE’s approach to cloud outlines strategy, adoption, exit plans
NHS England has outlined its NHS cloud strategy, recognising the need for cloud to support modernisation, enable innovation and provide strong foundations. The guidance details an approach to the cloud, exploring the current NHS cloud strategy and adoption plan, guidance on migration and exit strategies, policies, and best practice. NHSE […]
NHS England’s 2025/26 priorities and operational planning guidance promises “greater financial flexibility” and increased local autonomy, with focus on local prioritisation, reducing waiting times, improving access
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 […]
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 […]
