The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed that the transfer of NHS Digital’s functions into NHS England (NHSE), scheduled to happen at the end of March 2023, will now take place early in January.
The move aims to streamline data sharing processes across the NHS, benefiting patients while ensuring rigorous data protection safeguards remain in place. Improved data sharing will also ensure patients receive more streamlined care and can make better-informed choices about how and where they access care, which is a key part of ‘Our Plan for Patients’ launched recently.
Creating a single statutory body responsible for data and digital technology for the NHS will also enable easier access to electronic patient records through accelerated digital transformation services for patients.
Accelerating the transfer will lead to faster improvements in cooperation between the key digital bodies of the NHS by bringing them under one roof for the first time. This will ensure the health and care sector is fully equipped to face the future and deliver for patients. It will also build on the progress seen on digital transformation during the pandemic, driving efficiencies across the NHS as evidence suggests digitally mature providers are 10% more efficient than their less digitally mature peers.
In line with commitments made to Parliament, NHS England will provide the same protections for people’s data as NHS Digital, while taking advantage of the merger to improve processes where possible. Working closely with partners, including the Information Commissioner and the National Data Guardian, DHSC and NHSE will ensure there continues to be rigorous internal controls to ensure that data is used and shared safely, securely and appropriately. The aim is to: deliver high-quality care; understand and protect the health of the population; effectively plan and improve services; and research and develop innovative treatments, vaccines and diagnostics.
Making effective use of the data collected by health and social care services is essential to delivering high quality care, and improving the health of the population. The transfer, which is subject to parliamentary approval and agreement with the devolved administration, will see the statutory role of NHS Digital move to NHS England.
This will make sure that all the expertise and activity in relation to data and digital services are together in a single organisation and meets a key recommendation of Laura Wade-Gery’s review: Putting data, digital and tech at the heart of transforming the NHS.
DHSC says the changes will better support the recovery of NHS services, address waiting list backlogs, and support hardworking staff, all while driving forwards an ambitious agenda of digital transformation and progress.
