Improving the fundamental digital and data infrastructure of the NHS is a top national priority, according to Vin Diwakar, medical director for transformation at NHS England.
During the Health Excellence Through Technology (HETT) conference on September 25, 2024, Diwakar highlighted the results of a 2022 British Medical Association survey. Only 11% of doctors reported having the necessary tools for their work, with over 70% identifying a lack of interoperability as the primary obstacle to integrated care.
Diwakar emphasized ongoing efforts to support trusts in upgrading or obtaining new electronic patient records (EPR), with 97% of trusts expected to have an EPR in place by March 2026. He stressed the need for improvement science to address clinical and operational challenges effectively.
The focus is also on modernizing data platforms and enhancing citizen interactions through services like the NHS App. Additionally, NHSE aims to foster innovation, research, and life sciences while delivering high-quality, reliable national services.
Diwakar commended NHSE’s cybersecurity capabilities and expressed confidence in the government’s alignment with their future digital, data, and technology transformation goals.
