In a speech to the Policy Exchange this evening, the Health Secretary will say that patients should have compatible digital records so their health information can follow them around the health and social care system. Whether a patient needs a GP, hospital or a care home, the professionals involved in their care should be able to see their history at the touch of a button and share crucial information. His speech comes as a DH-commissioned report from PricewaterhouseCoopers, reviewing the potential benefits of better use of information and technology, found that measures such as more use of text messages for negative test results, electronic prescribing and electronic patient records could lead to improved care, health professionals spending more time with patients and annual savings of £4.4bn.
