NHS Digital announces tech innovation framework suppliers

Eight suppliers, who will be joining a new framework designed to boost innovation and choice in the primary care IT market, have been confirmed by NHS Digital.

The suppliers will be developing new GP clinical systems over the next 18 months and in line with the framework. Once the solutions meet the minimum compliance standards on the Digital Care Services Catalogue, they will be available to procure from the NHS Digital Buying Catalogue. This process ensures that primary care providers can use suppliers that have been assured against a common set of standards.  

The Tech Innovation Framework from NHS Digital is set to be a blueprint for the next generation of IT systems standards. Suppliers wishing to join must deliver six core functions in general practice: patient information maintenance; appointments management; recording consultations; prescribing; referral management; and resource management.  

The eight successful suppliers are: 

• EMIS Health 
• Eva Health Technologies 
• The Flame Lily Healthcare (CheckUp Health) 
• MedicalDirector (TelstraHealth UK) 
• John White PM 
• Medicus Health 
• Ouris Health 
• DH (Oxford Digital Health) 

Helen Clifton, executive director for product delivery at NHS Digital, said: “This is a key part of the next stage of the GP IT Futures programme, which aims to move towards open, cloud-based systems which can be accessed over the internet on any device. 

“We are putting patients at the heart of everything we do by ensuring primary care benefits from the very latest technology that gives GPs access to innovative digital products which make their jobs easier and enhances the care they provide. 

“We want to ensure that system suppliers produce safe, easy to use systems that enhance the user experience, are built to adapt at pace and meet accessibility standards.” 

The Tech Innovation Framework launched in June and is the third framework under the Digital Care Services Buying Catalogue. It joins the GP IT Futures and the Digital First Online Consultation and Video Consultation framework. 

Primary care organisations can also access support and funding through NHS Digital to become early adopters of the new GP core clinical systems, available through the Tech Innovation Framework.