Digital health network leaders react to autumn budget

Following the announcement of £2 billion of funding for NHS technology in the autumn budget, members of the digital health network advisory groups shared their views on how the funding will impact digital transformation.

Chancellor Rachel Reeve budget 30 October 2024 included an additional £22.6 billion in day-to-day spending for the Department of Health and Social Care over two years and more than £2 billion in capital investment in NHS technology and digital capabilities.

In his pre-budget announcement, Reeves also promised £1.5 billion capital investment for new surgery centres, diagnostic scanners and beds across the NHS.

We asked members of the digital health networks’ advisory groups to react to the funding announcement and how it will impact NHS technology and innovation. Here’s what they said:

Martin Carpenter, Member of the Chief Clinical Information Officer (CIO) Advisory Council

“Additional funding must be used wisely or we risk continuing to fund outdated infrastructure and old ways of delivering meaningful change.

“Firstly, we must put the patient at the center of everything the NHS does and ensure a systemic approach.

“Second, review procurement practices to allow suppliers and systems to procure platforms instead of disparate point solutions.

“Third, embrace modern digital transformation practices, emulating those that have driven widespread change at GOV.UK.

“Fourth, moving to a funding model that moves away from incremental bidding to one that enables long-term investment decisions, including a meaningful shift to prevention and, ultimately, data sharing that eliminates bureaucratic processes that fragment the holistic view of the citizen and patients .

“Without fundamental changes to the ‘how’, any additional funding will likely be jeopardized.”

Bishoi Dmitry, Deputy Chairman of the Advisory Group of the Chief Clinical Information Officer (CCIO)

“The Budget presented by Rachel Reeves recognizes the need to increase funding for public services, with a £22.6 billion increase in the daily health budget and a £31 billion increase in the capital budget.

“This is a positive step towards addressing the NHS deficit and, with the right leadership, could significantly support national digital health transformation initiatives.

“However, the impact of increases in national insurance contributions from employers and NHS bodies remains unclear, potentially undermining the effectiveness of this budget increase for health services.”

Paul Charnley, co-chair of the Integrated Care System (ICS) Digital Council

“I would say that any contribution to core spending should be welcomed because one of the barriers to digital transformation is the ability of the system to do everything that is asked of it.

“Colleagues at the ICS Digital Council will be eagerly awaiting the details that we hope will emerge over the next few days and weeks so that we can align national and local ambitions for the transition from analogue to digital at ICS and trust levels, and about how to weave it into the digital developments needed to improve diagnostic and treatment capabilities and reduce waiting lists.”

Ben Jeeves, Chairman of the Council of Clinical Safety Officers (CSO)

“The Budget announcement has raised great expectations among those working in the healthcare sector.

“While this funding is absolutely essential, it is essential to combine it with effective and sustainable change to meet the progressive demands on our healthcare system in the future.

“This is by no means a quick fix and there is a long way to go, but we hope these announcements will mean that renewed funding in the NHS will enable the necessary changes to be made.”

Kay Reynolds, Deputy Chair of the CSO Council

“While increased funding for the NHS in the Budget is urgently needed, we need to make sure it is allocated accordingly to ensure equity in the provision of care.

“While we do not have full information on how this increased budget will be distributed, we would like to hear about investment and development of digital technologies.

“However, ensuring it does not increase disparities that already exist and promoting its safe and effective use is critical.”

Hayley Grafton, Vice Chair CChief Nursing Officer’s Advisory Council (CNIO)

“The announcement of an extra £22.6 billion in daily NHS spending is very welcome news.

“Every day I witness increasing pressure on patient flow and the urgent need to expand capacity.

“The NHS continues to face the challenges of a post-pandemic world, as well as treating sicker patients and struggling with financial constraints, so it is encouraging to see a renewed focus on maintaining health services that meet the changing needs of the country.

“We still have a long way to go and I hope some of this investment will be focused on technology and innovation that can support the efficiency and productivity of our services.”