THE WELSH NHS is lagging dangerously behind England in digitising patient records, with Senedd Member Gareth Davies warning that the country’s health service must be dragged into the digital age.
Speaking in the Senedd, the Vale of Clwyd MS challenged the First Minister to urgently accelerate the digitisation of patient records. Davies criticised the sluggish pace of digital transformation, highlighting that the vast majority of patient records in Wales remain paper-based, while in England, the NHS is advancing rapidly with digital records accessible via the NHS app.
Growing digital divide
Davies warned of an ever-widening “digital rift” between England and Wales, arguing that the Welsh Government’s current plans are insufficient. While Wales has pledged to digitise maternity records by 2026 and introduce electronic mental health records in some areas, Davies insists this is not enough. He emphasised the efficiency, cost-saving, and safety benefits of full digitisation.
Citing a 2020 Public Services Ombudsman report, Davies pointed out that 70% of NHS complaints in Wales could not be fully investigated due to missing medical records. He stressed that digitalisation would ensure patients receive timely and accurate care without the risk of lost or misplaced information.
Calls for immediate action
Following his Senedd address, Davies said: “It’s not a big ask for the Welsh Government to ensure that doctors don’t have to wade through stacks of paper to find a patient’s medical history. The government has been dithering for years, creating a huge digital divide between England and Wales. Our analogue NHS must be brought into the 21st century.”
Welsh government response
The Welsh Government acknowledges the complexity and cost of implementing an electronic health records system. It has announced several initiatives, including:
- Developing a national business case for a new electronic health records system.
- Expanding the Digital Health and Care Record, linking patient information across Wales.
- Creating a single national clinical data repository through the National Data Resource (NDR).
- Rolling out the NHS Wales App, providing citizens with digital access to health services.
- Digitising prescribing and medicines management across Wales by 2030.
- Enhancing the Welsh Clinical Portal, enabling healthcare professionals to access patient records digitally.
- Introducing the Welsh Nursing Care Record, allowing bedside digital record-keeping for nurses.
- Digitising maternity patient records by 2026.
- Implementing digital mental health records in some areas, such as Betsi Cadwaladr health board.
Opposition and further debate
Despite these initiatives, critics argue the rollout is too slow. The Welsh Conservatives, in a November 2023 debate, pushed for an urgent implementation of the NHS app and e-prescribing across the Welsh NHS. They also urged the government to integrate artificial intelligence and modern digital infrastructure.
Plaid Cymru has also raised concerns about the NHS’s outdated technology, including the continued use of fax machines.
Future of digital healthcare in Wales
Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW), the body overseeing digitisation efforts, has outlined its strategy through 2030. This includes a move towards cloud-based systems, a consolidated electronic health record application, and full digital prescribing.
However, the pace of implementation remains a contentious issue, with Gareth Davies and other campaigners demanding swifter action to prevent Wales from falling further behind England in healthcare technology.
As the debate continues, the Welsh Government faces increasing pressure to accelerate reforms and modernise the NHS for the benefit of patients and healthcare professionals alike.
