Two NHS hospitals suffer major IT incident ahead of doctors’ strikes - Digital Health News - 24 July 2025
Digital Health
Independent business, policy and technology news, and events focused on developments in health IT
Two NHS hospitals suffer major IT incident ahead of doctors’ strikes 🪧
Staff at two hospitals in the south west of England have resorted to using paper after a major IT incident just days before the planned resident doctors’ strikes.
Cheltenham and Gloucester NHS Foundation Trust reported on its website that it suffered an IT outage on 22 July 2025, as the result of a server issue.
The outage has caused further disruption, as the trust announced that it will reduce A&E services in preparation for the five-day resident doctor strike over pay disputes, planned from 25 July to 30 July.
NHSE seeking £150m deal for ‘personalisation’ of digital services 🙋♀️
NHS England has issued a procurement notice for a £154.8 million contract to support greater “personalisation” of digital services and help deliver service upgrades.
The pipeline procurement notice, published on 15 July 2025, states that NHSE is “seeking to award a contract for a digital delivery to support Adult Screening and Personalisation Digital Delivery Partner Services”.
The contract will take effect on 1 July 2026 and run until 30 June 2029, with a possible option to extend to 30 June 2031, which would take the deal to five years.
News
Thousands of patient records are being reviewed after incorrect vaccination status codes were mistakenly logged in GP IT systems.
Four NHS trusts plan to introduce an AI-powered dictation tool which automatically transcribes clinicians’ notes during consultations.
People diagnosed with long-term health conditions will receive extra help and support from charities via the NHS App
A report from the Health Services Safety Investigations Bureau (HSSIB) has found that patients are coming to harm due to failures in the electronic communication of critical clinical information following hospital discharge.
Scotland’s Hospital at Home service will expand to 2,000 beds by December 2026, following a £85m investment targeted at NHS frailty services.
Four AI technologies to help spot spinal fractures in patients undergoing routine CT scans have been conditionally recommended by NICE.
Features
Can the NHS 10 year health plan fix health tech procurement?
The 10 year plan creates an opportunity to reverse the UK’s healthcare innovation exodus, writes the National Robotarium’s Lisa Farrell
10 year health plan: The NHS cannot do it alone
The NHS must partner more effectively with private enterprise to deliver the 10 year plan’s digital ambitions, writes Dr Charlotte Refsum of the Tony Blair Institute.
Events
[Webinar] The new front door: NHS App
25 July, 12:30-13:30
Speakers: Dr Penny Kechagioglou , Jacqui Cooper , Simon Eccles , Daniel Eyre , Karl Grundy
As the NHS App becomes a central access point for patients navigating NHS services, it is rapidly evolving into the ‘new front door’ of the health service. Register here.
[Webinar] Navigating your path to senior digital leadership
27 August, 10:00-11:00
Speakers: Dawn Greaves , Andy Haywood , Dr Penny Kechagioglou
Breaking into senior leadership roles in digital health can follow many different routes. This session brings together experienced digital leaders who will share their real-life career journeys, highlighting key challenges, turning points, and lessons. Register here.
[Webinar] The Role of Mentorship and Networking in Career Growth
26 September, 12:30-13:30
Speakers: Hayley Grafton
Mentorship and professional networks play a key role in advancing your career. This session will explore the impact of strong professional relationships on career growth, with practical advice on finding the right mentors. Register here.