NHS England has initiated a £16 million procurement process aimed at bolstering the digital capabilities of healthcare providers. The objective is to ensure the implementation of electronic patient records (EPRs) across the board by March 2026. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance the digital maturity of the health service’s secondary care branches, which include acute, specialist, community, mental health, and ambulance services.
Seeking Partners for Digital Transformation
The health service is on the lookout for a collaborative partner capable of forming a proficient, versatile, and prompt ‘Tiger Teams’ service. This team will be tasked with facilitating the nationwide delivery of EPRs. The envisioned service will supplement existing support mechanisms provided to healthcare providers, fulfilling a national need for the requisite resources, knowledge, and expertise for a successful EPR rollout.
Addressing the Complexity of EPR Implementation
NHS England acknowledges the complexities inherent to the deployment of EPR systems, noting the varied levels of experience and skill within the digital, data, and technology workforce. The implementation process often demands specialized, temporary expertise to achieve specific milestones, rectify issues, or provide specialized interventions. Healthcare trusts face growing difficulties in sourcing high-quality, skilled short-term labor for these purposes, both in recruitment and the contingent labor market.
The comprehensive nature of EPR introductions has been a recent focal point for the health service. NHS England has reminded leaders within the health service about the importance of adhering to national reporting obligations during the transition to electronic patient record systems. This reminder comes in the wake of incidents where trusts struggled to meet statutory reporting requirements post-EPR implementation.
Interested parties have until January 29, 2024, to apply for a pre-tender market engagement event. Participants will receive pertinent documentation on February 5 and must submit their written responses by February 16.
- NHS England launches £16 million digital upgrade.
- ‘Tiger Teams’ to expedite electronic patient records.
- Complex EPR rollouts demand specialized skills.
