The year 2024 was a transformative period for digital health, marked by significant advancements, setbacks, and controversies. The NHS and the broader health tech landscape experienced a series of pivotal events that shaped the future of healthcare. This article delves into the top stories that defined the year, highlighting the triumphs and tribulations that characterized the digital health sector.
Government and Policy Changes
New Government’s Impact on Digital Health
The emergence of a new government in 2024 brought substantial changes to the digital health landscape. The Labour Party’s victory led to a shift in policy priorities, with a renewed focus on modernizing the NHS through digital initiatives. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s administration pledged significant investments in healthcare technology, aiming to transform the NHS into a more efficient and patient-centric system.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Autumn Budget announcement in October 2024 included a commitment of over £2 billion for NHS technology and digital services. This financial pledge was intended to advance the NHS’s digital infrastructure, although some experts viewed it as only a starting point. The government’s strategic direction emphasized the importance of technology in improving healthcare outcomes, despite the challenges and skepticism surrounding its implementation.
Lord Darzi’s Report and Digital NHS Commitment
In September 2024, Lord Darzi released a critical review of the past decade’s missed opportunities for technological advancements in the NHS. The report highlighted the need for a comprehensive digital transformation to address the growing demands on healthcare services. Following the report, the government announced a 10-year health plan focused on leveraging technology to enhance patient care and streamline operations.
The commitment to a digital NHS was further reinforced by Amanda Pritchard, CEO of NHS England, during her address at the NHS Confed Expo in June 2024. She emphasized the pivotal role of technology in transforming healthcare, with over 34 million users on the NHS App. Despite the enthusiasm, there were concerns about the genuine daily engagement levels and the practical challenges of implementing such widespread changes.
Technological Advancements and Controversies
Cancellation of the £300m Digital Pathways Framework
One of the most significant stories of the year was the cancellation of the £300 million digital pathways framework by NHS England in June 2024. The initiative aimed to modernize GP technology but was derailed by legal challenges and administrative complexities. The decision to abandon the project underscored the difficulties of large-scale digital health procurements and the need for more streamlined processes.
The cancellation sparked debates about the future of digital health initiatives and the importance of clear legal and administrative frameworks. It also highlighted the necessity for better planning and execution to avoid similar setbacks in the future.
Abandonment of Shared EPR Procurement
In February 2024, the procurement of a shared Electronic Patient Record (EPR) for four NHS trusts was halted due to differences in procurement requirements and submission compliance issues. This setback led to a reevaluation of procurement strategies and raised questions about the feasibility of large-scale digital health projects.
The abandonment of the shared EPR procurement highlighted the challenges of coordinating multiple stakeholders and aligning their needs. It also emphasized the importance of clear communication and collaboration to ensure the success of future digital health initiatives.
Cybersecurity Issues
Major Cyber Attacks on NHS Services
The year 2024 saw several major cyber attacks that severely disrupted NHS services, highlighting the vulnerabilities in the healthcare system. In November 2024, a cyber attack at Wirral University Teaching Hospital led to canceled appointments and system disruptions. This incident was part of a broader trend of increasing cyber crimes targeting NHS services, just months after similar attacks in Dumfries & Galloway and on Synnovis.
The rising frequency and impact of cyber attacks underscored the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures within the NHS. These incidents prompted calls for stronger security practices and greater investment in protecting healthcare infrastructure from digital threats.
Antivirus Software Causing Global IT Outage
In July 2024, a botched update from CrowdStrike’s antivirus software, CrowdStrike Falcon, caused widespread IT outages across the NHS. The update affected critical services, including appointment bookings and prescriptions, setting back various operations. Although the issue was swiftly resolved, it highlighted the potential risks associated with relying on third-party software for essential healthcare functions.
The global IT outage raised awareness about the importance of thorough testing and contingency planning for software updates. It also emphasized the need for greater oversight and accountability in the deployment of digital health solutions.
Funding and Financial Commitments
Chancellor’s Financial Pledge for NHS Tech
The year 2024 proved to be a pivotal period for digital health, brimming with both advancements and challenges. The National Health Service (NHS) and the wider health tech landscape witnessed a range of significant events that have already and will continue to shape the future of healthcare. This article explores the key stories that captured the essence of 2024, focusing on both the successes and setbacks within the digital health sector.
Throughout 2024, there were notable innovations in digital health technologies, driven by the urgent need to improve patient care and streamline healthcare delivery. AI and machine learning became more integrated into diagnostic processes, enhancing the accuracy and speed of detecting medical conditions. Telemedicine and remote patient monitoring also saw widespread adoption, giving patients greater access to healthcare services regardless of their location.
However, with these advancements came several controversies and setbacks. Data privacy and security concerns intensified as health tech companies collected vast amounts of patient information. The ethical implications of AI in healthcare sparked debates among professionals and policymakers. There were also instances where new technologies did not meet expectations, leading to skepticism about their efficacy.
In conclusion, 2024 was a transformative year for digital health, characterized by both milestones and hurdles. As the NHS and the broader health tech industry continue to evolve, the lessons learned in 2024 will undoubtedly influence the future trajectory of healthcare innovation.
