The future of funding for the NHS was back in the news this week, as health and social care secretary Jeremy Hunt and prime minister Theresa May both made public statements hinting at a long-term settlement to support planning for an aging population. Meanwhile, the public accounts committee warned the NHS was “in survival mode”. NHS Digital found some money for council-led partnerships to test out digital assessment, discharge and withdrawal notices, to try and end the stream of faxes and letters that can keep patients stuck in hospital. But in Scotland, an FOI request found boards are struggling to find the cash to end their reliance on Windows XP. Also this week: Scotland is well-known for its commitment to healthcare IT, but a scathing report from the Scottish Parliament’s health and sport committee earlier this year suggested it still had a long way to go. With another big health and social care strategy imminent, Matthew D’Arcy reviews progress and asks what will need to happen to make the latest vision a reality.
Healthcare Roundup 29 March 2018
