NHS Trusts Digital Infrastructure 2026-07-14
2026-07-14
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of digital infrastructure improvements in NHS trusts, which impacts patient care and administrative efficiency.
What steps he is taking to improve access to digital infrastructure for NHS trusts. It is welcome that the Government are making progress on digital infrastructure and the single patient record, which is good news for patients and for the NHS, but patients in Peterborough risk missing out on some of the benefits because of the poor state of the local hospital and the North West Anglia NHS foundation trust's IT.
This Government will invest up to £10 billion in NHS technology and transformation by 2028-29. That includes ambient voice technology and the single patient record system. We have agreed plans to replace the trust's electronic patient record system and supporting infrastructure, providing practical support and guidance including help with costs.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP notes that patients in Peterborough face issues with poor local hospital IT and seeks reassurance on government support to improve this situation.
Patients in Peterborough risk missing out on some of the benefits because of the poor state of the local hospital and the North West Anglia NHS foundation trust's IT. What reassurance can he give that the Department will work with the NWAFT to ensure that we have the infrastructure we need in Peterborough, so that patients in my constituency benefit the most?
My hon. Friend has been a determined advocate for patients and staff at the North West Anglia NHS foundation trust. We agreed plans to replace the trust's electronic patient record system and supporting infrastructure, providing practical support and guidance including help with costs.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP spent a day with the palliative care team at William Harvey hospital and observed outdated systems causing inefficiencies.
I spent a day last week with the palliative care team at William Harvey hospital in Ashford, which serves a large chunk of my constituency. They were clicking through on really old systems all on pdf, taking up time that could be spent on clinical care due to evolving technology.
The hon. Lady makes a compelling case for investment in digital infrastructure. The single patient record introduced through the Health Bill will enable systems across the NHS to be linked up, so people no longer have to repeat their stories or have health records linked up when clinicians decide how to treat them.
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