Single patient record system prototype expected by year-end, says NHS England

Credit: Getty Images/monsitj

By Daniel Pye

A prototype of the NHS’s single patient record system is expected to be ready for review at the end of this year, according to an NHS England manager.

The system, currently in the ‘test and learn’ phase of development, is a key component of the government’s digital transformation plans for the health service.

Once implemented, the SPR will consolidate patient information from across the NHS, providing both patients and healthcare professionals with access to a single, accurate, and up-to-date medical record.

However, NHS England’s interim Chief Digital and Information Officer, Ming Tang, cautioned that the project will not be delivered overnight. Speaking at a recent NHS England board meeting, she said that building the SPR “is not going to be a quick bang and it’s done.” The prototype will need “further development,” she added.

Mark Bailie, NHSE non-executive director, praised the team working on the SPR.

Three options for the record are now in proof of concept, he said. “So no longer in PowerPoint but actually in practising code,” he added.