The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan and Spending Review have made it clear that digital transformation sits at the heart of efforts to make the NHS fit for the future. From artificial intelligence to cloud-based infrastructure, to the NHS App and the long-promised Single Patient Record, the ambition is to create a health service that is more accessible, efficient, and patient-centred. 

But while the policy signals are encouraging and the investment significant, real challenges remain. Without confronting these head-on, there is a risk that digital transformation becomes another unrealised promise; high on vision but limited in delivery. That is why we are launching a new programme of work to examine these challenges and support a credible pathway to sustainable digital reform. 

The Promise and the Problem 

Technological tools are already changing the way care is delivered. AI is being used in diagnostics, screening, and even routine GP tasks. The NHS App is evolving into a “digital front door”, helping patients book appointments, access services, and manage prescriptions. Meanwhile, the new Health Data Research Service offers a chance to unlock the full potential of NHS data for improving services and outcomes. According to the NHS Trust where the pilot took place, the first NHS AI-run physiotherapy clinic halved the waiting list for back pain and musculoskeletal services. There is therefore already clear evidence of AI and emerging technologies benefiting both patients and the healthcare services as a whole.  

Yet for all the progress, systemic issues persist. NHS infrastructure remains fragmented, with outdated, siloed systems that hinder both efficiency and collaboration. Interoperability; the ability for digital systems to communicate across providers is still patchy. Data governance frameworks are often inconsistent or unclear. And frontline staff continue to face administrative overload, with digital tools too often layered on top of, rather than replacing, existing burdens. 

The recently passed Data (Use and Access) Act aims to address some of these concerns, laying down legal guardrails for the use of patient data. Patient trust will be critical to implementing AI technologies that improve access and the quality of care. Research conducted by the Health Foundation found that a majority of respondents were willing to share data on areas such as ophthalmology, medicines they regularly take, and any long-term illnesses they live with. Meaningful reform will not however be achieved by legislation alone – it will require a concerted effort to align investment, infrastructure, skills, regulation, and crucially, public trust.  

Importance of public trust  

The ethical questions regarding health data are far from settled. Patients remain understandably concerned about how their data is used, who has access to it, and for what purposes. While public and professional support for AI is growing (one survey found that one in five GPs now use AI tools for daily tasks), any gains will be undermined if privacy concerns are not addressed transparently and proactively. 

Trust must be earned. That means designing digital services around patient needs, embedding robust safeguards, and creating clear, consistent standards for data use. It also means engaging the public meaningfully in conversations about how technology is reshaping healthcare. Various studies and surveys have pointed out the public’s recognition of the benefits of AI and simultaneously their unfamiliarity with what the technology is or how it can be used in healthcare. A recent survey by the Royal College of Radiologists found that ‘the more familiar people are with AI, the more comfortable they are with its use in healthcare’.  

Ethics are also important to consider when using artificial intelligence tools and technologies are used for daily tasks. It is important to remember that technologies are prone to making mistakes, here a lack of clear regulation and guidance can result in grave mistakes that can affect both patients and doctors.  

Moving beyond funding  

The Spending Review reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to digital healthcare, with a £10 billion pledge towards NHS technology and transformation. But funding alone is not enough. Real reform demands clear governance, accountability, and a legislative framework that keeps pace with innovation. The forthcoming expected AI Bill will be critical in shaping how healthcare technologies are deployed safely and equitably. 

We are now at a pivotal moment. The political will exists. The technology exists. But without honest interrogation of the barriers to progress and sustained collaboration between government, the NHS, and industry, we risk repeating the mistakes of previous digital reforms. 

Policy Connect’s forthcoming programme 

Starting this September, the All-Party Parliamentary Health Group will convene a roundtable discussion to kick off a new strand of work that will focus on understanding and addressing the challenges of digital transformation in healthcare. Please write to lavanya.rangarajan [at] policyconnect.org.uk (lavanya[dot]rangarajan[at]policyconnect[dot]org[dot]uk) if you are interested in joining the discussion or if you want to know more about our programme of work.  

As the UK accelerates towards a more digital health system, we must ask the difficult questions: What does good look like? Who is being left behind? And how can we ensure that the benefits of digital healthcare are not just promised, but delivered?