Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Eighth Report - Digital transformation in the NHS
Health and Social Care Committee
HC 223
Published 30 June 2023
Recommendations
12
Acknowledged
Para 71
Work collaboratively to understand best models for patient technology access and use
Recommendation
The NHS is a universal service, and people should not be unable to access it because of wider challenges around access to technology, connectivity and digital skills. The Department should work with NHS England and other Departments to understand what …
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Government Response Summary
The government expresses its commitment to accessible healthcare and notes existing multiagency partnerships and past initiatives like the Widening Digital Participation programme. It commits to continuing to investigate and learn from current models to support patients in accessing technology.
Department of Health and Social Care
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Conclusions (2)
5
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 45
A shortage of skilled digital professionals working in the NHS has been a barrier to digital transformation to date. Digital specialists can often command higher wages or better conditions in the private sector. This makes recruitment and retention to the NHS challenging, and leaves the health service reliant on third-party …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the broad challenges in attracting and retaining DDaT specialists due to pay, career progression, and professional structure. It states it is working to improve recruitment and retention, including reviewing pay measures, and directs the Committee to the Long-Term Workforce Plan for future solutions.
13
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 79
We are encouraged by the Department’s recognition that it needs to do better in both reassuring people about the security of data gathered by the health service, and communicating the benefits of digital healthcare. We need to see this matched with action that demonstrates progress. Specific communication over NHS data …
Government Response Summary
The Department restates its recognition that it needs to improve communication on data security and the benefits of digital healthcare, and that different approaches are needed for different audiences.