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What it means for diversity, innovation and the future. We read it so you don’t have to 😉
If there’s one thing the latest report on the state of the NHS (aka “Darzi report”) makes crystal clear, it’s this: the NHS is standing at the edge of transformation, and we have the tools to make it thrive. I’d say it’s a bit more damning than that, but I’m ever the optimist. The report doesn’t shy away from the challenges, yes, there’s work to do. But the possibilities on the horizon are too exciting to ignore. Innovation, digital adoption, and tackling inequalities are front and center, and they hold the key to unlocking a more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable NHS. We’ve had a read and pulled out some of the key themes that are close to OHT’s heart. Have a read if, like us, you care about the intersection of innovation, digital, diversity and inequalities.
Embracing the digital shift and moving from treatment to prevention
The report’s vision? Move the NHS from analogue to digital, and shift its focus from “sickness to prevention.” And frankly, this couldn’t be more up our street. For too long, the system has been stuck in reactive care, waiting for people to get sick before intervening. But the future is all about using technology to catch issues before they escalate, turning healthcare into a proactive, prevention-first model. A future of AI helping doctors predict a condition before symptoms even appear, or digital tools enabling patients to monitor their own health at home are familiar scenarios in OHT land, but not so much for most frontline staff or patients. The report highlights the massive potential of AI, data-sharing, and digital tools to revolutionise healthcare. This isn’t just about catching up; it’s about leapfrogging into a new era where the NHS leads the world in innovative care.
What it’s got us thinking about in OHT: One HealthTech is buzzing with ideas on how we can push the NHS further into the digital realm while keeping it inclusive. We’re thinking about the next generation of digital tools and how we can ensure they work for everyone, not just the tech-savvy. What excites us most is the potential to blend cutting-edge tech with human compassion—making healthcare more personalised, efficient, and far-reaching than ever.
Tackling inequalities with tech
The report makes it clear that inequalities in healthcare access still exist and they’re unacceptable (damn straight!). But here’s where tech can help. Digital tools, like telehealth, can reach into communities that have been underserved for too long. AI can help identify at-risk patients early, closing gaps in care that have persisted for years. There’s an optimistic thread running through the report that resonates with us: technology isn’t just for those who already have good access to healthcare. It’s the key to leveling the playing field, making sure everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, gets the care they need. There’s no reason we can’t tackle health inequalities head-on by focusing on how innovation can make healthcare more accessible.
What it’s got us thinking about in OHT: We’re asking ourselves how One HealthTech can drive digital inclusion even further. It’s not just about creating cool tech; it’s about ensuring that marginalised groups are included in this digital healthcare revolution. We’re thinking of ways to advocate for tech solutions that work for everyone, including those who may face barriers to accessing digital care, like low internet access or digital literacy (all big topics across our Socioeconomic Campaign, Product Managers specialist network and the OHT London hub!).
Workforce challenges and the time to innovate how we care
The report speaks volumes about the immense pressures facing NHS staff (burnout, staffing shortages, and imbalanced resources between hospitals and community care to name but a few). But there’s a positive flip side: innovation is one of the keys to easing these burdens. AI and automation can take over routine tasks, giving healthcare professionals more time to focus on what they do best—caring for patients. The future lies in shifting care from hospitals to homes, supported by digital tools. Imagine how much more efficient things could be if AI-powered assistants and remote monitoring tools allowed people to stay well in their own homes, reducing the need for hospital admissions!?
What it’s got us thinking about in OHT: We’re fired up about how technology can support healthcare workers, not replace them. In fact, we believe innovation can make the NHS a more attractive place to work. By reducing admin workloads and letting tech take on repetitive tasks, we can give clinicians the space to do what they love—providing top-notch care. Plus, we’re all in on making sure that the next wave of digital training empowers a more diverse workforce, ensuring that healthcare innovation is designed and delivered by a workforce that reflects the communities it serves.
The future is collaborative when it comes to integrated care and data-sharing
One of the report’s clearest messages is the need for better collaboration across services. Right now, healthcare is too siloed. Data isn’t being shared effectively between providers, meaning patients often fall through the cracks. But here’s the good news: the report outlines a future where Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) break down these barriers, allowing data to flow seamlessly across services. When services work together, powered by shared data, patients receive better, faster, and more personalised care (I appreciate sentences like that make it all sound rather easy…). It’s a vision of healthcare that doesn’t just treat the problem but addresses the whole person.
What it’s got us thinking about in OHT: One HealthTech has always been about collaboration, and we see this as an opportunity to drive better connections between tech companies, healthcare providers, and communities. We’re excited to explore how we can be a voice for ethical, effective data-sharing frameworks that don’t just connect the dots but do so with the patient at the heart of the process. Data sharing can be a game-changer, and we want to help shape how it’s done, safely, securely, and equitably.
Sustainable investment in innovation
The report is also a call for sustained, smart investment in innovation. The future of healthcare relies on tech and systems that are robust, secure, and scalable. But it’s not just about more funding, it’s about making sure that investment goes into the areas that will make the biggest difference, like community-based care, digital infrastructure, and preventative health. This is a chance to rethink how we allocate resources, making sure that the NHS is equipped for the long haul, not just quick fixes. The message here is optimistic: with the right investment, the NHS can not only survive but thrive, leading the way in global healthcare innovation.
What it’s got us thinking about in OHT: We’re energised by the report’s call for smart, sustainable investment in innovation. At One HealthTech, we’re all about long-term thinking (because, frankly the ROI on diversity and inequalities is often boldly long for leaders), and this report backs up everything we’ve been saying about the need to invest in the future. We’re thinking about how we can help shape funding models that prioritise inclusivity and diversity, because if we’re going to invest in innovation, it needs to benefit everyone, not just a few.
Final thoughts
Reading this report feels like a turning point. Not because lots of the messages aren’t the same we’ve seen in various similar pieces of work over the years, but because of the post-pandemic, new government, urgency with the tightening of purse strings everyone is starting to feel. Yes, the challenges are real, but the opportunities are massive. The NHS has the chance to harness innovation, tackle inequalities, and support its workforce in ways we’ve never seen before. We’re of course ready to be part of the solution, driving digital innovation that’s inclusive, diverse, and ultimately transformative for everyone.
Here’s the link to the summary, or if you’re feeling brave, here’s the whole document!