NHS England has decided to cancel its £300 million digital pathways framework for GP technology after facing delays due to a legal claim.
The framework was created to support the transition to a modern general practice model by connecting integrated care boards (ICBs) with approved suppliers for digital GP tools such as messaging, consultations, and care navigation.
Although a contract notice was issued in October 2023, the procurement process was automatically suspended in February 2024, leading to further delays in approvals and contract awards.
Despite the cancellation of the framework, NHS England assured that GP practices can still access quality digital solutions through ICBs and the funding provided by the ‘Delivery plan for recovering access to primary care’.
As a result of the framework cancellation, NHSE announced a funding of £48 million for ICBs to enhance digital pathways and demand and capacity tools in line with the Modern General Practice model.
Further details on alternative options for digital pathways suppliers will be provided by NHSE in the near future.
