The executive director of Graphnet, Markus Bolton, suggested at Rewired that the NHS could improve costly digital projects by devolving spending decisions to integrated care systems.
Bolton highlighted the harmful impact of initiatives like centres of digital excellence, which have drained resources and harmed patients. He urged digital leaders to focus on their own innovations and not be swayed by distractions.
He emphasized the need for more devolution and power to local ICS teams, with funding following decision-making to reduce risks and increase accountability.
Using digital technology effectively in healthcare could provide a significant boost to the economy, according to Professor Julia Sutcliffe from the Department for Business and Trade.
She stressed the importance of making innovation work for clinicians and not adding to their workload, making it as easy to use as drugs for patient benefit.
CEO of Digital Health and Care Wales, Helen Thomas, emphasized the need for a drastic change in the way the NHS funds digital projects, focusing on sustaining improvement rather than major infrastructure.
Get rid of lobbying and devolve spending decisions on digital to Integrated Care Systems to improve NHS digital projects.
Digital Health Rewired is currently happening at the NEC in Birmingham from 12-13 March. You can find the program here and still register to attend on site at Hall 8 of the NEC.
