Hot off the press: The Government issues a rallying cry to the nation to help fix NHS! Â
The NHS has served generations for over 76 years. But to make sure the NHS is here for the next 76 years, ensuring all it can do to support the health of everyone, the government and the NHS need your help and want to hear from you.Â
They have initiated the biggest ever conversation about the future of the NHS.Â
“Change.nhs.uk impress that it doesn’t matter whether you have a lot or a little to say. Your views, experiences and ideas will shape a new 10 Year Health Plan for England’’. Â
For CDW UK, this ongoing national conversation around healthcare represents a pivotal opportunity to align our technological solutions with the evolving needs of the NHS. Â
Our dedicated team are on standby, ready to support our health and social care customers, by understanding and meeting your unique requirements. By staying informed about the latest developments and actively engaging with NHS stakeholders, we can offer bespoke solutions that enhance patient care and operational efficiency.Â
The government has committed to investing in technological advancements, infrastructure improvements, and workforce development. This opens new avenues for CDW UK to assist the NHS in achieving its transformation goals through state-of-the-art technology solutions.Â
By participating in this crucial national discourse, CDW UK are looking to support tangible outcomes. We ensure that our technological innovations are integral to shaping a more effective and responsive health service for the future.Â
As Chief Technologist for Health and Social Care at CDW UK, I recognise the transformative potential of the Labour government’s 10-Year Health Plan in standardising best practices across the NHS. Measures in the plan include:Â
- The Health Secretary calling on the entire nation to shape the government’s plans to overhaul the NHS Â
- Members of the Public, clinicians and experts are urged to submit ideas for its future as new online platform Change.NHS.uk, putting staff and patients in driving seat of reform.Â
- Responses will shape the government’s 10-Year Health Plan to fix broken the health service and deliver the government’s mission to build an NHS fit for the future.Â
I can honestly say, after working in the NHS for three decades, this collaboration is music to my ears. I have had significant experience of being a director on call within the NHS, so I am aware first-hand of the ‘groundhog days’, including overworked staff, significant discretionary effort, poor access for the public, long waits, ambulance delays and overburdened clinical and back-office departments. Workers often breathe a sigh of relief when their shift is done and then await it all again the next day - this cannot go on and can only be manged by real reform. Â
This initiative is the largest staff engagement exercise in the NHS’s history; aiming to harness the perspectives of frontline workers, patients, and the public to create meaningful change. This exercise will (and has to) help shape the government’s 10-Year Health Plan, which will be published in spring 2025 and will be underlined by three big shifts in healthcare:Â
CDW UK can play a pivotal role in each theme:Â
- Hospital to community. The government wants to deliver plans for new neighbourhood health centres, which will be closer to homes and communities. Patients will be able to see family doctors, district nurses, care workers, physiotherapists, health visitors, or mental health specialists, all under the same roof. Â
CDW UK can provide technical solutions and infrastructure support for the creation of new neighbourhood health centres. By equipping these centres with advanced medical and communication technologies, we can ensure that patients have seamless access to a wide range of health services under one roof. Our solutions would enhance the connectivity between various healthcare providers, allowing for better-coordinated care and improved patient outcomes.Â
- Analogue to digital. The government will create a more modern NHS by bringing together a single patient record, summarising patient health information, test results, and letters in one place, through the NHS App. It will put patients in control of their own medical history, meaning they don’t have to repeat it at every appointment, and that staff have the full picture of patients’ health. New laws are set to be introduced to make NHS patient health records available across all NHS trusts, GP surgeries and ambulance services in England – speeding up patient care, reducing repeat medical tests, and minimising medication errors. Â
CDW UK can aid in the digital transformation of the NHS by developing and implementing integrated health information systems. Our expertise in cloud solutions, cybersecurity, and data management can help create a secure and efficient single patient record system. By supporting the deployment of the NHS App and ensuring interoperability across all NHS trusts, GP surgeries, and ambulance services, we can contribute to reducing medical errors, speeding up patient care, and minimising redundant tests.Â
- Sickness to prevention. The government wants to shorten the amount of time people spend in ill health and prevent illnesses before they happen. As an example, the 10-Year Health Plan will explore the opportunities smart watches and other wearable tech may offer patients with diabetes or high blood pressure, so they can monitor their own health from the comfort of their own home. Â
CDW UK can collaborate with the NHS to leverage wearable technology and smart devices for health monitoring and preventive care. By providing the necessary technological infrastructure and support, we can facilitate the use of cutting-edge health monitoring tools for patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. This proactive approach can help patients manage their health more effectively; reducing the burden on emergency services and improving overall public health outcomes.Â
These three themes will be the key principles for reform and will revolutionise the way people manage their health and access care. They plan to shift the NHS away from late diagnosis and treatment to a model where more services are delivered in local communities and illnesses are prevented in the first place.Â
The recent report by Lord Ara Darzi, published on 12 September 2024, highlighted the NHS's "critical condition" and the need for urgent reform. Lord Darzi's comments align with the goals of the Health Plan, emphasising the importance of immediate improvements and long-term vision.Â
Rachel Power, chief executive at the Patients’ Association, has warmly welcomed this initiative, highlighting its role in fostering genuine patient partnerships. Â
Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, stressed the necessity of this plan, noting that NHS staff have been advocating for change and that their experiences and innovations should be integral to the plan's success. Â
The government has indicated a commitment to addressing long-standing financial challenges within the NHS, which will likely include investments in technological advancements, infrastructure improvements, and workforce development. Â
So, as an Ex-NHS employee for three decades and passionate about Digital Transformation and how technology can facilitate the NHS and Social Care settings, I appeal to you to have your say by participating in this national conversation. We can then ensure that technological innovations are part of the solution, helping to shape a more effective and responsive health service for the future.Â
Together, let's contribute to a brighter future for our healthcare system. Watch Wes Streeting's call for involvement here Â
This is open to everyone. If you are a member of the public or someone who works in health and care in England, 'Start Here', to tell us how our NHS needs to change.Â
What are you waiting for? Let’s fix this together!Â
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Contributors
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Phillipa Winter
Chief Technologist - Health & Social Care