NHS Technology Found to Lag 15 Years Behind Private Sector, Government Review Reveals

12 Sept

A government-commissioned review set to be published this week has revealed that the UK's National Health Service (NHS) is 15 years behind the private sector in its adoption and use of technology. The findings, led by Lord Darzi of Denham, a surgeon and former health minister, indicate that outdated IT systems are severely hindering patient care, with a failure to embrace modern technology across the board.

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The report criticizes the NHS's inability to "radically reshape" its services through digital innovation. Lord Darzi argues that a fundamental overhaul of NHS technology is needed, particularly in how patient data is utilized. He is expected to call for better integration of patient records and the use of data as a cornerstone for improving health services.

Additionally, the review highlights that the NHS app, designed to provide easier access to healthcare services such as general practitioner (GP) appointments, has not delivered on its promises. The report claims the app requires substantial improvement to meet its potential and deliver meaningful changes for patients.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has backed the findings, stating that a shift from an "analogue to digital" system is crucial for the NHS. As part of a broader government response, Streeting is preparing a spending review, which will include significant investment in IT infrastructure to address these shortcomings. However, the report emphasizes that the current technology focus on hospitals, rather than community and long-term care settings, is a major barrier to overall progress.

The review also calls for an urgent focus on long-term health conditions, which are placing increasing pressure on the NHS. It highlights the need for integrated information systems that can operate across different settings, offering more seamless care for patients as they navigate the health system.

While the NHS has made attempts to modernize during Covid, including the launch of digital tools, the report argues these efforts have not simplified workflows for clinicians. Instead, outdated systems continue to add administrative burdens, diverting time away from patient care.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has praised the review for its "raw and honest" critique, positioning it as a platform for broader health service reform.

Former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, a long-time advocate for using technology to reform the NHS, has also echoed the report's findings. He emphasized that technology should be at the heart of transforming healthcare delivery and improving the economy.

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