The Next Steps review acknowledges that technology underpins all of the major NHS work programmes. The key strategies for technological improvement identified are:

• The implementation of solutions that help individuals to manage their own health. Online access to services will be increased significantly.
• A fast tracking process to encourage digitisation of hospitals. Hospitals previously identified as ‘Global Digital Exemplars’ will be partnered with ‘fast followers’ who will rapidly mirror the GDE implementations. Mental Health Digital Exemplars have also been identified.
• The adoption of technologies to support the NHS priorities including those that facilitate enhanced online access to patient data, on-going development of NHS 111 Online and further roll out of the NHS E Referral Service.
• Taking steps to enhance the UK’s position as a global leader in life sciences. A range of strategies are acknowledged including the roll out of new treatments, expanding the UK’s genomics capability, improving the clinical trials environment and growing academic and industry partnerships with the NHS.

Gill Hall, partner and technology lead, comments: “Since the Forward View was published, there has been increasing recognition within the NHS of the importance of adopting new technology. Some significant steps have already been taken, for example Greater Manchester’s Datawell project, and Next Steps provides some clarity about areas of priority in the coming years. We have seen a particular rise in the number of commercialisation projects whereby innovations created within the NHS are captured and exploited, often through collaborations with industrial or academic partners.

These have ranged from the out-licensing of the IP in post surgical aids for one Trust to the acquisition of IP in a patient safety device for another. These are exciting developments which have the potential to improve patient experiences and generate additional revenues for the NHS.”

Hempsons has been actively involved in a number of NHS projects with technology at their heart. These have ranged from structuring major data sharing arrangements on risk stratification projects to supporting trusts on the development and use of health related apps.

Andrew Daly, partner in our specialist procurement law team added: “When seeking to secure new technology, NHS bodies need to comply with procurement law, considering the various options available. For example, should the requirement be truly innovative, the innovation partnership procedure may be available, as seen in the DataWell Project. We can then work with you to design robust procurement processes that best meet your requirements and objectives.”