Milton Keynes University Hospital Leads the Digital Transformation of NHS Healthcare

At the last Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership (MKBLP), members' breakfast, Professor Joe Harrison, CEO of Milton Keynes University Hospital and National Director for Digital Channels for NHS England, shared a compelling vision for the future of healthcare, emphasising how the strategic adoption of technology, IT, and digital innovation will be pivotal in improving the quality of care and removing barriers to maintaining public health.

Highlighting how the NHS App is central to this revolution, Professor Harrison stated: "The NHS App gives us all control over our own personal data and pathway to wellness, transforming the way we access and manage our health."

Demonstrating its pivotal role in healthcare management, when the COVID-19 passport was launched in December 2020, the app recorded 60 million logins. However, by January 2023, this figure had dwindled to just 17 million logins prompting a reimagining of the App’s potential by drawing on business cases including that of e-commerce giant Amazon— who first captured users with books before unveiling a suite of products and services.

Fast forward to March this year and logins had increased to 40 million. “However, these people are predominantly those already in the system and under medical care,” he commented. “My ambition is to increase engagement to 100 million logins per month within a year.”

The aim is to evolve the app beyond its current function. Today, 97% of GP practices have opened access to medical records via the app, offering patients increased transparency and greater control over their health. A crucial step moving forward is to ensure this access extends to secondary care from hospitals and the app's goal is to facilitate ease of appointment booking, from GPs to secondary care.

Photo thanks to Bryan Wright

Professor Harrison also spoke of plans to streamline patient pathways, drawing comparisons to Scandinavia where individuals can directly book tests for detected breast lumps, thus freeing up GP appointments. Such changes could also address health and social inequalities, as evidenced by a trial where women who had previously not engaged with screening, many from the lowest socio-economic classes, completed a cervical screening test after receiving a text invitation via the app for self-testing.

“These were predominantly women who were unable to call their GP at 8 am for an appointment due to lifestyle constraints. We have an NHS system that is mostly structured between working hours and the app will help overcome this challenge and empower people.”

Professor Harrison went on to explore the potential of technology in healthcare, highlighting the successful trial of AI-driven dermatology last year, which enabled faster diagnosis and treatment for skin cancer, increasing the capacity of specialist dermatologists to see more patients.

Bringing the focus around to Milton Keynes, he went on to highlight how the hospital stands at the forefront of this digital transformation. By leveraging technology and utilising digital tools Milton Keynes University Hospital is poised to reduce waiting times, increase efficiency, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes as it continues to meet rising demand and improve service delivery as the city continues to grow.

Recognised as the most digitally advanced hospital in the UK, Milton Keynes University Hospital is a testament to digital transformation in the NHS through its commitment to clinical digital systems, artificial intelligence in radiology, and innovations in GreenTech.

“Technology amplifies care quality, bridging gaps to specialists and enhancing patient outcomes. In five years, the NHS App is envisioned as the first point of contact for patients, fundamentally altering how care is accessed and delivered.” Professor Harrison concluded.

A note about Milton Keynes Hospital Charity...

Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) plays an essential role in the community, providing healthcare services that many rely on. However, as the demand for these services grows, so does the need for additional funding to support projects that enhance the hospital experience for patients, families, and staff. The Milton Keynes Hospital Charity is pivotal in this effort, working to bridge the gap by funding critical improvements and initiatives. While a portion of charitable funds comes from patients and their families, often earmarked for specific departments, there remains a pressing need for support across various other departments. This is where the local business community can make a meaningful impact. By participating in fundraising events or making direct contributions, businesses can help ensure that all areas of the hospital receive the necessary support they need.

We invite any business interested in donating, taking on a fundraising challenge, or organising an event to visit the Milton Keynes Hospital Charity website www.mkhcharity.org.uk or contact them via email at fundraising@mkuh.nhs.uk. Together, we can make a lasting difference in our community's healthcare.