Health Secretary Victoria Atkins has unveiled a series of digital initiatives aimed at boosting productivity in the NHS.
Among the promises made by Atkins are the digitisation of every hospital, extension of the NHS app to manage all appointments, introduction of a new staff app to reduce reliance on agency staff, and investment in digital operating theatres.
Former M&S boss Steve Rowe has been appointed to aid in the implementation of digital technologies and AI to improve efficiency within the NHS.
At a recent Nuffield Trust event, Atkins outlined plans to invest an additional £3.4 billion in NHS technology to drive productivity gains. This includes the digitisation of operating theatres to create 200,000 extra operating slots annually.
Furthermore, Atkins aims to reduce the use of agency staff through the implementation of a new staff app for rostering, as well as updating IT systems to give healthcare professionals more time with patients.
By promoting the use of electronic patient records and enhancing the NHS app functionalities, Atkins hopes to see significant savings and improved patient experience.
The NHS productivity plan, coupled with the Long-Term Workforce Plan, is expected to deliver a two per cent annual productivity growth, resulting in £35 billion in savings by the end of the decade.
Atkins also highlighted the potential of AI in revolutionizing healthcare, citing its impact on stroke care and plans to streamline administrative tasks for healthcare professionals.
The appointment of Steve Rowe as a non-executive director of NHSE and advisor on productivity reflects the government’s commitment to driving efficiency and innovation in the NHS.
