Digital Health Networks leaders react to the Autumn Budget

Following the announcement of £2bn for NHS technology in the Autumn Budget, members of the Digital Health Networks Advisory Panels have shared their views on how the funding will impact digital transformation. 

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

In a pre-budget announcement Reeves also pledged £1.5bn in capital investment for new surgical hubs, diagnostic scanners and beds across the NHS estate.

We asked members of the Digital Health networks’ advisory panels to respond to the funding announcement and how it will impact NHS technology and innovation. Here’s what they had to say:

Martin Carpenter, member of the Clinical Information Officer (CIO) Advisory Panel

“The extra funding needs to be used wisely, or we are danger in continuing to fund legacy infrastructure and old ways of delivering meaningful transformation.

“Firstly we must put the patient at the heart of everything the NHS does and enable a system approach.

“Secondly, an overhaul of procurement practices to enable providers and systems to procure platforms over siloed point solutions.

“Thirdly, embrace modern methods of digital transformation, replicating the ones that have enabled widespread change across GOV.UK.

“Fourthly, a move to a funding model that moves away from piecemeal bidding to one that enables longer term investment decisions, including a meaningful shift to prevention and finally data sharing that removes bureaucratic processes that fragment a holistic view of the citizen and patients.

“Without fundamental changes to the ‘how’ any extra funding is likely to be compromised.”

Bishoy Dimitri, vice chair of the Chief Clinical Information Officer (CCIO) Advisory Panel

“The budget presented by Rachel Reeves acknowledges the need for increased funding in public services, outlining a £22.6 billion boost to the day-to-day health budget and a £31 billion increase in the capital budget.

“This is a positive step towards addressing the NHS deficits and, with proper guidance, could significantly support national digital health transformation initiatives.

“However, the impact of the rise in National Insurance contributions by employers and NHS bodies remains unclear, potentially undermining the effectiveness of these budget increases for health services.”

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

“I would say that any contribution to frontline spending has to be welcomed as one of the barriers to digital transformation has been the capacity of the system to do everything that is being asked from it.

“Colleagues in the ICS Digital Council will be eagerly anticipating the detail, which will hopefully be coming over the next few days and weeks so that we can align national and local ambitions for the move from analogue to digital at ICS and trust level and how to weave it into the digital developments needed to help improve capacity in diagnostics and treatments to help reduce the waiting lists.”

Ben Jeeves, chair of the Clinical Safety Officer (CSO) Council

“The budget announcement has been the source of great anticipation by those working in and around healthcare.

“Whilst this funding is absolutely essential, this desperately needs to be coupled with impactful, sustainable change to meet the progressive demands on our healthcare system for the future.

“This is by no means a quick fix, and there is a long road ahead, but the announcements will hopefully mean that renewed funding in the NHS enables the change that is required.”

Kaye Reynolds, vice chair of the CSO council

“Whilst the NHS funding boost in the budget is sorely needed, we need to ensure that this is allocated in an appropriate way to ensure equity of care provision.

“Not yet having the full details of how this increased budget will be allocated, we are keen to hear of investment in, and development of, digital technologies.

“However, ensuring this does not widen the disparities already present is crucial, whilst also promoting its safe and effective use.”

Hayley Grafton, vice chair of the Chief Nursing Information Officer (CNIO) Advisory Panel 

“The announcement of an additional £22.6bn to NHS day-to-day spend is very welcome news.

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

“The NHS continues to navigate the challenges of a post pandemic world, in addition to treating sicker patients and contending with the financial constraints, which makes it reassuring to see renewed emphasis on maintaining a health service that meets the evolving needs of the country.

“We still have a long way to go, and I hope to see some of this investment directed towards technology and innovation that can support efficiency and productivity of our services.”