The NHS 10-Year Health Plan has long been in development. Since taking office, the Government signalled its intent to reform the NHS, with an immediate review led by Lord Darzi and a commitment to design a long-term vision for a health service that better meets the needs of those who fund and rely on it. 

Several consultations, public engagement exercises and political speeches have followed, reinforcing the government's message: the NHS must be made fit for the future. Among the shifts proposed, one of the most transformative though not without complexity is the move from analogue to digital. 

The NHS App: A ‘Digital Front Door’ 

One of the plan’s most significant technology announcements is the expansion of the NHS App. The government envisions the app as a “full front door” to the NHS enabling patients to access advice for non-urgent care, choose providers, book tests, and manage prescriptions. 

The aim is twofold: to reduce the administrative burden on NHS staff and to give patients greater ownership over the care they receive. If implemented effectively, the NHS App could serve as a foundation for wider digital transformation, offering patients a seamless and consistent experience across the health service. 

Unlocking Patient Data: The Health Data Research Service 

Another key announcement is the establishment of a new Health Data Research Service, supported by significant public investment. The ability to harness NHS data for research and service improvement is long overdue but success depends on overcoming long-standing challenges. Historically, NHS systems have struggled with poor interoperability, variable standards, and fragmented data governance. The Data (Use and Access) Act, having recently received Royal Assent, is intended to establish legal guardrails that safeguard privacy while enabling more efficient data sharing across providers. 

The promise of a Single Patient Record (SPR) enabling seamless, secure access to patient histories across the system could significantly improve care coordination, reduce duplication, and enhance patient safety. 

In the past, the burden of sharing patient records between different care providers fell on clinicians and healthcare practitioners – almost discouraging them from sharing the information should there be any legal challenges that arise. Public trust should be front and centre when approaching the issue of patient data collection and sharing.  

Digital Transformation Behind the Scenes 

The plan recognises that digital transformation must extend beyond patient-facing services. NHS operations and administration remain burdened by outdated, siloed systems. Replacing legacy infrastructure with interoperable, cloud-based platforms is essential for creating a more agile, data-responsive health service. 

Crucially, this reform agenda prioritises freeing up clinician time, aiming to reduce administrative overload and restore focus to frontline care. The inclusion of investment in digital literacy programmes and infrastructure is a positive step but delivery must ensure that digitally excluded populations, including older people and those with complex needs, are not left behind. 

A New Role for NICE 

The plan proposes to expand the remit of NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) to assess and decommission outdated digital tools. This is a welcome move. A clear, evidence-based framework for technology evaluation will support faster, safer adoption of new innovations and prevent ineffective or outdated systems from persisting. 

Conclusion 

Digital transformation is not a silver bullet, but it is a critical enabler of NHS reform. This plan marks a long-overdue shift towards a digitally mature, patient-focused health service. However, ambition must now be matched by delivery. That means ensuring a clear implementation roadmap, underpinned by robust governance and strong legislation that guarantees data privacy and promotes public trust.  

Although the Spending Review promised a funding boost with a special focus on the digitisation of the NHS and the healthcare system, questions remain about how this plan will be delivered to make an actual positive difference.  

It is clear, the technologies adopted must be evaluated transparently and rigorously, with a focus not just on cost-effectiveness but also on tangible improvements to access, clinician workload and patient outcomes. Above all, this transformation must be inclusive, ensuring that no group, particularly older people, digitally excluded communities, and those with complex needs, are left behind. Deep collaboration across government, the NHS, and industry will be essential. If done well, this digital shift could lay the foundations for a health system that is truly fit for the future.