Story Highlight
– NHS’s 10-year plan drives technological advancements in healthcare.
– AI to enhance diagnostics and patient care delivery.
– Community pharmacies evolving into local health service hubs.
– Integrated care systems to promote equitable health solutions.
– Focus on digital tools for improved patient access and outcomes.
Full Story
The recent Autumn Budget has brought attention to additional funding for NHS technology, coinciding with the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare and the acceleration of the ten-year health plan. As the UK approaches 2026, industry experts have provided insights into the future of digital health.
In interviews with key figures in the healthcare technology sector, Digital Health News gathered predictions about the transformative impact of technology on health services over the next few years. The following perspectives highlight the evolving landscape and expectations surrounding the NHS.
Shaun O’Hanlon, CEO of Optum (UK), envisions technology as a fundamental component of the NHS’s ten-year health strategy. He argues that advancements in interoperability and care coordination will allow healthcare delivery to extend beyond traditional hospital settings. “We’ll see a revolution in diagnostics and elective care,” he asserts, emphasizing patient-centric approaches that address waiting lists effectively through intelligent pathways. O’Hanlon believes that community pharmacies will serve as vital local health hubs, supporting independent pharmacists in managing patient demand. He anticipates that innovative AI tools, guided by effective governance, will enhance efficiency and improve patient outcomes, ultimately reshaping care delivery nationwide by 2026.
Steve Wightman, managing director of Access HSC, calls for concrete actions stemming from the health plan in the approaching year. He notes that the right use of digital solutions can empower healthcare professionals, alleviate unwarranted variations in care, and contribute to reducing patient waiting times. Wightman is particularly optimistic about the potential advancements in mental health services, driven by improved data utilization within the NHS. He posits that enhanced integration of care and better access to treatments will emerge from renewed focus and research.
Dr. Rachael Grimaldi, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of CardMedic, expresses hope for transformative developments stemming from the NHS plan. Her concern lies in bridging the gap between technological innovation and practical implementation. Emphasizing the importance of equity in care, she believes that integrated care systems (ICSs) could pave the way for widespread adoption of innovative technologies. However, she warns that procurement processes must align with clinical requirements to prevent distractions from delivering meaningful patient-centered advancements.
In agreement with O’Hanlon’s vision for digital health, Tom Whicher, founder and CEO of DrDoctor, highlights a shift towards a more online-oriented NHS. Patients are increasingly demanding easier access to their health information and care through cohesive digital platforms. He is confident that ongoing investments will facilitate this change, particularly in neighbourhood health centres that are already testing new care delivery models. Whicher believes that while full-scale implementation may take time, these centres will fundamentally transform healthcare access and service delivery.
Mark Hutchinson, executive vice president at Altera Digital Health, anticipates that many NHS trusts will prioritize optimization and innovation in 2026. With the foundational digital capabilities now established, Hutchinson foresees increased scrutiny of systems and the exploration of new digital tools that enhance patient care pathways. This period will be characterized by a concerted push for user-centered innovation that not only improves productivity but also maintains patient-focused care.
Similarly, Brian Murray, sales director for Better, highlights the evolution of open digital platforms as a crucial element for success. He emphasizes the need for interoperable, standards-based infrastructure to drive the transition towards community health and neighbourhood centres. Murray points out that the quality of clinical data will impact the effectiveness of AI in healthcare, suggesting that organizations enhancing their data strategies will experience significant improvements in outcomes.
In contrast, Markus Bolton, CEO of Graphnet Health, warns against complacency in the integration of services. He insists that a holistic approach, leveraging digital health records and population health analytics, will be central to successfully managing care closer to home. Early intervention based on predictive data will enable health systems to allocate resources more effectively and prevent escalating health crises.
Looking ahead, Nick Wilson, CEO of System C, outlines the pivotal role that AI will play in modernizing the NHS. He envisions ambient voice technology becoming commonplace in clinical settings, streamlining documentation and allowing healthcare professionals to devote more time to patient interactions. As systems become more integrated, he believes, users will benefit from seamless workflows that enhance care and operational efficiency.
Chris Scarisbrick, deputy UK managing director of Sectra, raises concerns about imaging services, suggesting they may become a notable area of pressure due to existing workforce strains. He emphasizes the need for interconnected and intelligent imaging solutions to address service challenges, while also pushing for progressive diagnostic approaches to foster growth within the NHS.
Other healthcare leaders like Sharon Hanley, Gary McAllister, and Lydia Rawlings stress the vitality of building sustainable infrastructures and creating cohesive partnerships across the healthcare spectrum. Their combined perspectives indicate a strong desire to move from isolated strategies to collaborative ones that enhance connectedness between various care sectors.
Additionally, Dr. Harry Thirkettle expresses caution, highlighting the obligation to ensure that digital tools are not only available but also accessible and effective for all patients. The importance of measuring the patient’s experience and addressing social determinants of health is critical for ensuring that the NHS transformation addresses broader socioeconomic factors.
The voices of NHS technology pioneers reflect an overarching optimism that 2026 could witness a significant shift in healthcare delivery, driven by technology and innovation. Yet, they recognize that the successful implementation of these advancements hinges not only on technological adoption but also on the foundational elements of collaborative ethos, data integrity, and patient-centred care. As the health sector navigates its transformation, the balance between maintaining human connection and enhancing operational efficiency through technology will be paramount to achieving sustainable progress.
Our Thoughts
No specific incident or safety breach is mentioned in the article, focusing instead on predictions for the NHS and advancements in digital health technology. Thus, no relevant regulations or safety lessons can be drawn from this content.
