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Digital transformation guide: technology procurement for the NHS
Download our guide for all NHS trusts undertaking digital transformation projects.
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Supporting your digital transformation journey
How, where and when patient care is given is changing. There is a natural evolution towards smart healthcare services, where technology is embedded across clinical pathways and the digital patient is the new normal. It is vital that our NHS health services, staff and patients are ready for this. Because ultimately, smarter healthcare means better quality, more efficient and safer patient care.
At CCS, our technology experts are here to help you embrace your trust’s digital transformation journey, and develop a robust technology procurement strategy.
We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to buying digital transformation solutions in the NHS. We explore the 3 main phases, with a clear breakdown of the programme stages and projects you will go through along the way.
This guide will help your procurement and ICT functions collaborate effectively. It outlines how to achieve value for money through your procurements and deliver against integrated care system needs, all whilst keeping social value, sustainability and carbon net zero agendas front of mind.
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What is digital transformation in the NHS?
Digital transformation in the NHS aims to use technology to help health and care professionals communicate better and enable patients to access the care they need quickly and easily, when it suits them.
From websites and apps that make care and advice easy to access wherever you are, to connected computer systems that give staff the test results, history and evidence they need to make the best decisions for patients, technology can support improvements in patient care.
For many trusts, the COVID-19 pandemic has driven the need for remote access to healthcare services for patients. Indeed, the expansion of virtual wards will create the equivalent of 5,000 additional beds. Digital transformation is also required to support workforce recovery and staff wellbeing by creating an integrated environment across the care system. This gives health care professionals more confidence and time to care.
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What is smart healthcare?
For healthcare to be smart, technology needs to be embedded at each point of the patient’s clinical pathway. Not just for the patient, but for staff too. This includes all the equipment used, and the buildings themselves where the care is given.
Smart healthcare services lead to:
- more efficient operations including optimisation of back office systems and the electronic patient record
- better designed clinical pathways that improve patient flow and clinical outcomes
- reduced hospital visits through early intervention and continuing healthcare in a patient home or community setting, with remote monitoring by healthcare professionals.
How we can help
With our diverse range of technology commercial agreements and category expertise, we’re best placed to help you buy the right technology solutions for your needs at each stage of digital transformation.
We can help you deliver your digital transformation procurement strategy for a truly integrated care system, with interoperability between computer systems and vital patient information at point of care. Our technology categories cover:
- Technology Products and Services
- Digital Future
- Cyber Security
- Software
- Network Services
- Memorandums of Understanding
We’re here to help
If you have a question about one of our agreements or an aspect of your digital transformation journey, complete the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Talk to us
You can also contact us by email or phone
Email: info@crowncommercial.gov.uk
Telephone: 0345 410 2222
CCS customer services team is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.