New legislation introduced to Parliament will facilitate the seamless transfer of patients’ data across the NHS.
The Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) is spearheading this initiative, which will mandate IT suppliers in the health and care sector to adhere to a set of common standards for data sharing.
The Data Use and Access Bill will revolutionize the accessibility of healthcare information, enabling real-time access to data across all NHS trusts, GP surgeries, and ambulance services, regardless of the IT system they use.
In a press release on 24 October 2024, DSIT stated that this measure is expected to save 140,000 hours in NHS staff time annually, leading to quicker patient care and potentially saving lives.
Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the importance of seamless data sharing among healthcare providers to improve patient care and outcomes, highlighting the need for interoperability within the NHS.
The recent government announcement regarding the consolidation of patient records through the NHS App aligns with the goals set forth by the Data Use and Access Bill.
National Director of Transformation at NHS England, Dr Vin Diwakar, hailed the bill as a crucial step towards enhancing the efficiency and responsiveness of the healthcare system, emphasizing the significance of timely access to accurate patient data for healthcare professionals.
While there are concerns raised by privacy organizations and cybersecurity experts regarding patient data security, DSIT reassured the public that stringent security protocols and governance arrangements will be in place to safeguard patient information.
Streeting emphasized that data sharing will be restricted to relevant staff members and will comply with strict security protocols to address any privacy concerns.
