NHS Derby is making strong progress in its digital advancement journey, with a range of regional updates revealing how Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) are leveraging data, technology, and collaboration to improve health outcomes and streamline services.
Derby and Derbyshire ICB: Strategic Collaboration and Innovation
At a recent board meeting, NHS Derby and Derbyshire ICB provided a comprehensive update on the implementation of its digital strategy. Highlights included the development of a federated data platform, continued progress on the shared care record, participation in Microsoft 365 Co-pilot trials, and the launch of a major regional partnership.
A key announcement was the formation of a strategic digital collaborative with Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB. This initiative is designed to align digital ambitions across the East Midlands Combined Authority footprint, creating a unified approach to cyber security, digital procurement, best practice sharing, and digital enablement.
Progress on the federated data platform (FDP) was another milestone. Thanks to early adopter status and the involvement of incubator sites—University Hospitals of Derby and Burton, and Chesterfield Royal—there has been substantial movement in areas such as referral to treatment validation and discharge planning. These efforts are aimed at real-time tracking and improving inpatient and outpatient care coordination.
Additionally, the ICB has approved the implementation of an FDP instance for Population Health Management, which will enable better data sharing for strategic and operational decision-making.
The shared care record continues to evolve, with notable developments including the integration of the Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment (ReSPECT) form. Currently in the testing phase, this will become the first read/write capability within the shared care record once live—marking a significant step in digitising critical care planning information.
In terms of AI and automation, the ICB is participating in the NHS England Microsoft 365 Co-pilot pilot phase. This aims to evaluate the potential of AI tools to improve productivity through features like document summarisation, email drafting, and presentation creation. The insights gained will contribute to a broader AI and robotic process automation strategy under development.
The update also highlighted a successful single sign-on pilot, which has enabled ambulance crews at East Midlands Ambulance Service to access patient records more rapidly, supporting faster and more informed decision-making on scene.
On the virtual wards front, 1,104 patients have been onboarded with over 11,000 days of remote monitoring logged. With seven pathways currently live—and two more on the way—the programme is set to expand into new “step-down” and “step-up” pathways, aimed at both post-discharge care and admission avoidance in collaboration with primary care.
Wider NHS Digital Developments
Across the country, other NHS organisations are also pushing forward with ambitious digital strategies:
- NHS Sussex ICS has reported significant digital milestones, including the rollout of the Plexus Transfer of Care Hubs dashboard and increased uptake of the NHS App. These tools have helped support discharge processes and contribute to the ICS’s broader Improving Lives Together strategy.
- NHS Gloucestershire ICS has released a draft data strategy for 2025–2030, currently under board review. This forward-looking plan aims to enhance transparency, empower the workforce, and foster innovation by addressing issues like siloed data and limited access.
- NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly has outlined its cyber security strategy through 2026, focusing on strengthening risk management, governance, awareness, and resilience against digital threats.
- North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) has published a new digital strategy that puts AI and data at its core. Key priorities include EPR (Electronic Patient Record) optimisation, a new app development program, improved infrastructure, and the promotion of digital skills and innovation among staff.
These updates highlight how NHS organisations are embracing digital transformation to better connect services, empower staff, and deliver safer, more personalised care. With continued investment and cross-regional collaboration, the NHS is laying the groundwork for a more connected, efficient, and patient-focused future.
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