Royal Free and Luton and Dunstable trusts named as global exemplars to pioneer new technology
Two trusts in the UCLPartners partnership are set to receive up to £10 million each from the government to deliver pioneering approaches to revolutionise patient care through technology.
Luton and Dunstable University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust were two of 12 acute trusts announced by Jeremy Hunt as global exemplars, in response to a review of NHS technology conducted by US clinician Bob Wachter.
The successful organisations will be expected to fast track digital approaches to healthcare and help others in the NHS to learn from their experiences. They will also be partnered with an international organisation of their choice, to take full advantage of their expertise.
Luton and Dunstable and The Royal Free London were selected as they are among the 12 most advanced NHS organisations in their use of information technology and can move from national leaders to world leaders at an accelerated pace. The aim is to create exemplars that can inspire others by really showing how information technology can deliver both improved patient outcomes and enhanced business effectiveness.
Dr Charlie Davie, Managing Director of UCLPartners Academic Health Science Network, said: “We are proud to have two partner organisations represented within the first wave of acute trust digital ambassadors. There is huge potential in this country to create a digitally advanced health and care system that works across organisational boundaries and offers patients the healthcare solutions they deserve. So I am delighted to see this investment and commitment from the government and in particular the recognition of two of our partners through this initiative. Digital health is an area of high importance for UCLPartners and indeed across the London AHSNs through the successful development of DigitalHealth.London.”
Mark England, Director of Re-engineering and Informatics at Luton and Dunstable, said: “We are delighted that our progress has been recognised and relish the opportunity to further demonstrate and build on our digital maturity. We see digital progress as intrinsic to delivering sustainable services of the highest clinical quality with operational excellence.”
David Sloman, Chief Executive of the Royal Free London, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to pioneer new technology which will enable us to deliver better, more efficient care for patients. This is a huge opportunity for the trust and we look forward to working with and learning from partner organisations who will help us explore how new technology can be used for the benefit of patients and staff.”
For more information on the twelve digital exemplars visit NHS England’s website.