01.10.19
NHS Confederation praises positive step towards NHS Wales digitisation
Director of the Welsh NHS Confederation has praised the efforts of the Welsh Government, following an announcement outlining the creation of a new NHS Wales team to deliver national digital services.
Darren Hughes praised the move as a positive step towards providing digitisation to NHS Wales, with a new chief digital officer role set to be established within the NHS National Executive function.
The role will have a clearly defined ‘whole system’ remit and be supported by an advisory structure and small team.
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Mr Hughes said: “The announcement of a new NHS organisation focussed on digital services will provide some welcome clarity around governance and funding. Our members are committed to working closely with the Welsh Government to assist this transition.
“Digital services are going to play an increasingly vital role in how patients receive services and the NHS operates. What we need to see is greater digital innovation across the service to allow the public to access the right care, at the right time, in the right place and in a way that makes the best use of the services finite resources.
"The Welsh Government's long-term plan for health and social care commits to a fully integrated national digital architecture, supported by significant investment, stronger national digital leadership and strengthened delivery arrangements. We look forward to seeing the progress that can be achieved in all these areas.
“We believe this is a positive step and we look forward to hearing more about how the new digital organisation is going to operate and seeing how we can support.”