New digital proposals for NHS outlined by business expert

A number of digital proposals for the NHS have been outlined in order to drive the take-up of internet-enabled services in health and care.

Business expert Baroness Martha Lane Fox has made a number of recommendations to the National Information Board, including the introduction of free wireless internet access in every NHS building.

She also suggested making sure those with the greatest health and social care needs are included first in any new digital tools being used across the NHS, while doing more to build the basic digital skills of the NHS workforce.

A target has been set that would see at least ten percent of registered patients in each GP practice using a digital service – such as online appointment booking, repeat prescriptions and access to records – by 2017.

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "Creating an NHS which is digitally fit for purpose in the 21st century is a key priority for this government."

The recent investment of one billion pounds in health technology announced in the Autumn Statement will support the delivery of these initiatives.