NHS Digital Transformation in 2025 

NHS Digital Transformation in 2025 

As the NHS forges ahead with its Digital Transformation, Jon Pickering, CEO of HealthTech firm Mizaic, outlines the trends and challenges that will define healthcare in 2025. 

The NHS is navigating a pivotal moment in its journey towards modernisation, with advancements in technology reshaping how care is delivered and data is utilised. As the sector continues to grapple with challenges such as workforce capacity, IT security and the responsible adoption of AI, 2025 promises to be a defining year. Pickering offers a forward-looking perspective on the impact of key legislative changes, including the Data Use and Access Bill and the growing importance of interoperability, cybersecurity and digital workforce development. 

From unlocking the potential of data sharing to ensuring AI’s responsible integration into clinical settings, his insights illuminate the path towards a smarter, more resilient healthcare system. At the heart of these efforts lies a delicate balance: harnessing innovation while safeguarding patient trust, privacy and safety. 

The Data Use and Access Bill will drive data consolidation and interoperability in 2025 

The Data Use and Access Bill has been a pivotal step forward for the UK, enforcing the expectation that data must be shared seamlessly across clinical applications. This push towards consolidation and simplification of data-sharing practices has allowed Trusts to unlock greater value from their data while reducing inefficiencies. However, the journey is ongoing, and the challenge lies in ensuring the interoperability of systems without overwhelming Trusts with operational burdens. 

Responsible AI adoption will remain crucial to delivering clinical value in healthcare 

AI has become a central part of conversations in 2024, as with the previous year, but the challenge lies in applying it responsibly in healthcare to deliver genuine clinical value. While some solutions have shown promise, CIOs are grappling with the risks of scaling AI across Trusts without clear strategies. As a lesson learned, proof of concept and careful governance must remain the foundation of AI adoption to ensure it enhances patient care without compromising safety or trust. 

Strengthening IT security will be essential to protecting sensitive NHS data 

Cybersecurity has been a recurring theme this year, with some notable incidents highlighting the critical importance of robust IT security in healthcare. The NHS has made strides in extracting meaningful insights from data, but this progress must go hand in hand with stronger protections to safeguard sensitive information. The challenge for 2025 will be maintaining this balance while expanding digital capabilities. 

Addressing workforce capacity will underpin the NHS’s Digital Transformation efforts 

Workforce capacity remains a fundamental challenge in the NHS’s Digital Transformation journey. Trusts have had to contend with skill gaps, particularly in areas like AI and advanced data analysis. This past year has shown that addressing these gaps requires a dual focus on upskilling existing teams and partnering with external providers to bridge knowledge gaps. A resilient, well-supported workforce will be the backbone of digital maturity in 2025.