HEALTHCARE INNOVATION

NHS Launches Digital Screening Alerts to Boost Women's Cancer Detection

The NHS is launching a "ping and book" service to improve cancer screening uptake for women, aiming to save thousands of lives. This initiative will allow women to receive reminders and book appointments via the NHS App, replacing traditional letters and texts. The service will start with breast and cervical screenings, potentially saving the NHS over £130 million in five years.

Despite improvements, over a third of women did not attend breast screenings last year. The new digital approach aims to increase accessibility and convenience, encouraging more women to participate. Health leaders stress the importance of early detection, with digital innovations expected to enhance the efficiency and reach of screening programmes, contributing to the NHS's broader 10-Year Health Plan.

EHCP EFFICIENCY

Transforming EHCP Processes: How Agilisys’ EHCP Plus Frees Up Time for SEND Support

Local authorities face increasing EHCP demand, stretching staff and impacting the support SEND children receive. Agilisys' EHCP Plus tool reduces the time associated with creating a preliminary first draft for EHCP plans, enabling SEND caseworkers to focus on impactful work with families, parents and children. Using GenAI, EHCP Plus creates the draft of an EHCPs in minutes, saving on average of 5 hours per plan. This efficiency could release over 40,000 days of professional time back into the SEND system annually, based on 2022 figures.

EHCP Plus offers a streamlined, customisable, and GDPR-compliant solution that meets statutory timelines while maintaining high-quality standards. Join the growing number of local authorities transforming their EHCP processes with Agilisys Transform's EHCP Plus.

HEALTHCARE POLICY REFORM

NHS to Reduce Reliance on Costly Agency Staff

The Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, plans to reduce NHS reliance on agency staff, costing £3 billion annually. Proposals include banning agencies from filling entry-level roles and preventing NHS staff from resigning to return as agency workers. These measures aim to save money, improve care quality, and enhance patient safety.

The government and NHS England will consult on these proposals, seeking input from staff, unions, and provider organisations. The reforms are part of broader efforts to ensure efficient NHS spending, following significant investment in healthcare infrastructure. The initiative aims to address staffing shortages and ensure fair pay for similar roles, ultimately delivering better value for taxpayers and patients.

HEALTHCARE DATA MANAGEMENT

Centralised GP Data System Urged for Health Research Progress

The Sudlow Review identifies establishing a central GP dataset as England's top data priority, aiming for completion by early 2026. It highlights the need for a national health data service to improve research and healthcare outcomes. The review stresses engaging GPs, addressing their concerns about data privacy and performance management, and suggests financial incentives and secure frameworks for data sharing.

Key recommendations include a UK-wide strategy for data access, a single opt-out system for patients, and a rapid interim solution using pandemic data sharing flexibilities. The Government and NHS leaders are urged to act swiftly, with a definitive solution for a central GP database expected by early 2026. The review underscores the potential benefits of maximising health data use for societal gain.

HEALTHCARE DATA STRATEGY

NHS England's Roadmap for Organisation Data Service to 2025

NHS England has unveiled a roadmap for the Organisation Data Service (ODS), aiming to deliver a unified source of organisation reference data by June 2025. Key achievements in 2024 include the public beta release of the ODS Data Search and Export tool and solutions for sub-ICB codes in London. Future plans involve a new FHIR R4 API, a data quality assessment framework, and enhanced accessibility of ODS reference data.

The roadmap also outlines support for the COVID campaign in 2025 and a pilot audit of NHS trust data. Engagement is planned for national reference data below ICB level. Discussions with NHS leaders highlight the role of data in transitioning from reactive to proactive care, with a focus on digital integration and preventative care strategies.