NHS Providers launches programme to support ICS digital transformation

NHS Providers has launched a new programme to help leaders of integrated care systems (ICS) advance their digital transformation. 

Digital ICS: harnessing digital to deliver system ambitions has been created to help integrated care systems (ICSs) make the most of digital technology and will offer tailored development sessions so that ICSs can share best practice and learn from their peers.  

The new programme is an extension of NHS Providers’ Digital Boards programme, which aims to help leaders implement digital innovations and learn from their counterparts. The fifth briefing – focusing on increasing board members’ confidence in delivering digital strategies – was released in May this year.

The Digital ICS programme will support the NHS Confederation’s ICS network, which has all 42 ICSs in the UK in voluntary membership.  

Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive, NHS Providers, said: “Digital transformation should be at the heart of ICSs’ strategic thinking and new ways of working to improve the lives of patients and staff. 

“We live and operate in a fast-changing digital age and health and care systems must be able to adapt. We’re excited to be working with our partners to help ICSs boost their digital capability and confidence through bespoke board development sessions and opportunities to learn from their peers.” 

The NHS Providers programme is being run in partnership with Public Digital and the NHS Confederation and is supported by Health Education England and NHS England.  

Chris Fleming, partner, Public Digital, said: “The culture, processes and operating models of the digital age will play a critical role in helping ICSs deliver better, more equitable and more efficient services.” 

Fleming continued: “Building on our work with over 80 NHS trusts we’re looking forward to engaging with ICS leaders over the next three years, in partnership with NHS Providers and NHS confederation.”