Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust loses proposed fast follower

Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed to Digital Health News that it has lost one of its proposed fast followers.

Back in September last year, it was announced the global digital exemplar (GDE) would be paired with Wye Valley NHS Trust and Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as part of the scheme which brings the opportunity for fast followers to “buddy” with a GDE to accelerate digital progression.

However in a statement Taunton and Somerset confirmed to Digital Health News that Blackpool Teaching Hospitals has been dropped as a proposed fast follower.

David Shannon, director for strategic development at the trust, said: “We are extremely sorry to be losing Blackpool as a potential fast follower, after going through the required process.

“Informally, we would want to continue to work closely with the trust, which is doing great work,  and offer whatever support we can.”

The reasons behind the decision have not been confirmed, but Digital Health News understands that until trusts have been through the due diligence process and signed funding agreements potential fast followers could change.

The only other GDE to get two fast followers was Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust which was paired with North Tees and Hartlepool Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust.

Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals confirmed to Digital Health News that this is still the case.

Previously, Digital Health News has reported that the chosen fast followers are expected be awarded £5 million, half of the £10 million being awarded to GDEs.

Last week it was also reported that some trusts initially proposed as mental health fast followers will “definitely” not be among those ultimately named.