WIREDGOV

HSCIC, now NHS Digital, is the national provider of information, data and IT systems for commissioners, analysts and clinicians in health and social care.

Its work includes:

• publishing more than 260 statistical publications per year
• providing a range of specialist data services
• managing informatics projects and programmes, and developing and assuring national systems against appropriate contractual, clinical safety and information standards

The new name of ‘NHS Digital: Information and technology for better health and care’ should help to build public recognition, confidence and trust. Speaking at the National Information Board’s Leadership Summit, George Freeman, Minister for Life Sciences, explained that NHS Digital will continue to produce high quality information, IT systems and services for health and social care. As well as showing how technological development and effective use of information can transform the quality of care a patient receives.

George Freeman said:

Healthcare in the 21st century is going digital with improved treatment and care, and with huge benefits for patient safety. The newly named NHS Digital will provide important information and IT services to ensure better care for patients.

This is an exciting time for NHS leadership in medical technology and NHS Digital will help to develop the NHS’s ability to deliver modern services. I’m pleased that Noel Gordon has agreed to lead NHS Digital as the organisation’s new chairman.

Noel Gordon is currently the Non-executive Director and Chair of the Specialised Services Commissioning Committee at NHS England. Formerly an economist, Mr Gordon has spent most of his career in consultancy, including 16 years at Accenture where he was global managing director of the Banking Industry Practice.

He has experience of innovating and transforming industries, and of using big data, analytics, mobile and digital technologies.