NHS transformation relies on optimisation of technology, as financial challenges impact investment opportunities for leaders – Philips report

Philips has released the results of its Future Health Index UK&I report, which highlights that technology is on track to change the way care is delivered. The study of 200 UK healthcare leaders found that most leaders (85%) see automating repetitive tasks as critical to relieving staffing pressures across the NHS, and three quarters (76%) see automation as key to empowering the healthcare workforce to perform at their highest skill.

Yet, investment in new medical equipment and technological solutions is difficult amidst financial challenges within the NHS.

Nearly all healthcare leaders are facing economic gaps or financial challenges (97%), and 77% have faced delayed, limited, or no investment in medical equipment and technological solutions. Alongside this, seven in 10 (71%) say that shortages of equipment or staff have led to longer waiting times and delayed access to care.

Lord Darzi’s recent review [1] revealed that NHS transformation has been stunted by lack of spending on health assets and infrastructure over the past decade, while NHS Providers recently found that 51% of NHS leaders were extremely concerned about delivering operational priorities within their organisation’s 2024/25 financial budget [2]. Looking ahead, the Autumn Statement is expected to announce further tightening of UK budgets later this month.

Looking ahead, leaders are optimistic about the potential for data driven care. They see the biggest opportunities in optimising treatment plans and care pathways (56%) and reducing hospital readmissions (39%).

Healthcare leaders also believe that improved accuracy of patient data (62%) and interoperability between different platforms and healthcare settings (60%) are critical to deliver better care to more people. This could enable further innovation and transformation in healthcare.

However, data barriers persist within the NHS. Almost all (94%) healthcare leaders say their organisation experiences data integration challenges that impact their care provision.

What’s more, three-quarters (76%) of leaders noted a lack of healthcare data for underserved communities in their areas. This could be impacting access to care, making it difficult to develop strategies to overcome disparities in health outcomes.

More effort is still needed to drive widespread data optimisation, as only a quarter of leaders (27%) see the benefit of data-driven insights in detecting medical conditions. If the NHS doesn’t overcome these data barriers, patients risk missing out on the latest healthcare innovations.

The link between human health and environmental health is central to sustainable healthcare. With the NHS accounting for 4% of the UK’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions [3], Philips believes that sustainable investment could provide a realistic solution to drive innovation and efficiency, both in the long and short term.

By refurbing and upgrading existing estates and equipment with a circular economy mindset, healthcare organisations can achieve economic sustainability and find effective solutions to financial and operational challenges.

Many are already implementing cost reductions, improving operational efficiencies and pivoting towards more sustainable practices. Financial strategies include investing in preventive care to reduce long-term healthcare costs (35%) and community health (32%). Meanwhile environmental tactics include virtual care technologies or remote monitoring to reduce emissions, which 73% have either invested in already, or are planning to do so in the next three years.