#16. W/c 16th December '24
Alastair Allen
Partner, Head of Healthcare Technology at EY | Board Member at openEHR UK | Health and Social Care Council Member at TechUK
In my last newsletter of the year: the future of Scotland's GP software hangs in the balance as its main primary care supplier goes into administration and the HSE reflects on a year of progress under Digital for Care 2030; NHS England urges the public to “unwrap the NHS App” this Christmas and the UK focuses on digital interoperability with publication of a vision for UK Core Access API.
Merry Christmas to all who celebrate it, and a happy new year!
Scotland’s main GP software supplier goes into administration
In Practice Systems Limited (INPS), the primary software supplier for GP practices in Scotland, has entered administration due to financial issues. This development occurs amidst Scotland's ongoing transition of all GP clinical systems to INPS's Vision software, part of the GP IT reprovisioning programme. National Services Scotland (NSS) has assured that existing contractual agreements are in place to maintain service provision until a new solution is identified.
A press release from Cegedim, the parent company, confirmed INPS's decision to go into administration as of 10 December 2024. The Scottish government, coordinating closely with NHS NSS and health boards, is exploring immediate steps to support current Vision users and ensure the continuity of GP IT system rollouts. There is currently no reported impact on patient care or system availability for GPs.
If only the data were held in a vendor-neutral format this would present less of an issue.
Read more: https://www.digitalhealth.net/2024/12/scotlands-main-gp-software-supplier-goes-into-administration/
HSE Reflections on 2024: A Year of Progress under Digital for Care 2030
Damien McCallion, the HSE's Chief Technology and Transformation Officer, reflects on 2024's progress under Ireland’s 'Digital for Care 2030' initiative. Key achievements include the establishment of a National Electronic Health Record (EHR) programme, the launch of the HSE app, and improvements in patient safety with the National Laboratory Information System at Beaumont Hospital. A case management system was also implemented to aid Safeguarding Protection Teams, and a national Enterprise WiFi programme was introduced across all six health regions.
Looking ahead to 2025, McCallion outlines key priorities, including securing approval for the EHR business case, shared care record development, enhancing diagnostic services, strengthening cybersecurity, implementing AI in radiology, scaling virtual care models, and launching the Digital Health Passport.
NHS chief urges public to “unwrap the NHS App” this Christmas
The NHS is promoting the use of its app this Christmas, encouraging people to give the gift of digital health access. With a busy winter due to seasonal viruses like flu and COVID-19, the NHS aims for easy healthcare access through the app, allowing users to order prescriptions, manage appointments, and check test results. Over November, app logins by those aged 50-70 surged to 19.3 million, marking an 80% increase from the previous year. To further enhance accessibility, new functions are being added to the app regularly.
Dr Vin Diwakar from NHS England emphasises the importance of the app during the busy winter period and advises accessing urgent help via 111 online for non-emergencies, while A&E and 999 should be reserved for life-threatening situations.
The app offers twelve key features for users to manage their health over the festive season, including ordering repeat prescriptions, checking health advice, managing appointments, and participating in health research.
Read more: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2024/12/nhs-chief-urges-public-to-unwrap-the-nhs-app-this-christmas/
Publication of UK Core Access API Vision
NHS England and HL7 UK have unveiled a vision for a UK Core Access API, with endorsement from NHS Wales and awareness from NHS Scotland, which is in the early stages of adopting FHIR. This initiative aims to transition towards synchronous REST APIs and guide developers in accessing the HL7 FHIR UK Core.
The vision aims to enhance interoperability within the health and social care sectors. The complete vision statement can be accessed online, and the authors are encouraging feedback to support progress.