Digital modernisation is the next evolution of resilient healthcare, says UK technology consultancy

Digital modernisation is the next evolution of resilient healthcare, says UK technology consultancy
Healthcare organisations can strengthen care quality and resilience by modernising legacy systems

As NHS organisations continue taking steps to modernise long‑standing systems, the connection between digital infrastructure and patient experience is becoming clearer. This week, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde confirmed plans to procure a cloud‑based digital records solution, an important move towards more integrated digital platforms.

In parallel, the government’s recently launched £210 million Cyber Action Plan highlighting the need to build resilience into digitised public services following recent NHS cyber incidents and associated regulatory action.

Jon Bance, Chief Operating Officer at Leading Resolutions, notes, “Healthcare is largely becoming a modern, digital-first sector and technology is no longer a back-office function. Many organisations are now acknowledging that legacy systems can place unnecessary pressure on clinical teams and complicate service delivery. Well-designed platforms will play a vital role in delivering effective care.”

He continues, “Cyber incidents often draw attention to vulnerabilities, but they also underline the opportunity to strengthen core digital foundations. Well‑integrated platforms give clinicians better access to information, help streamline workflows and ultimately support improved patient outcomes.”

While monitoring tools and incident response plans remain important, Bance emphasises that long‑term resilience comes from addressing underlying technology constraints.

“When systems aren’t integrated or no longer supported, it can slow down diagnostics, fragment patient records and create additional administrative burdens. These aren’t failures, they are symptoms of dated infrastructure that simply wasn’t designed for today’s healthcare environment.

“Sustainable resilience comes from platforms that are interoperable and designed for today’s healthcare environment. When data flows more effectively between systems, clinicians can gain a clearer picture of the patient journey.”

Despite this growing awareness, transformation is still sometimes viewed as an IT upgrade rather than a key enabler of clinical care.

“Technology underpins most clinical journeys, from diagnostics through to discharge,” Bance says. “A more collaborative, empathy‑led approach to transformation - where IT and clinical teams are aligned and ownership is clear - ensures that improvements truly support clinicians and patients. Embedding transformation into governance can help organisations modernise in a sustainable and patient‑centred way.”

He adds that modernisation should go beyond short‑term fixes. “To future‑proof care, healthcare organisations benefit most from investing in interoperable platforms that support secure data sharing, automation and adaptability. This kind of platform‑based modernisation allows teams to respond more quickly and consistently to new demands and technology.”

Drawing on Leading Resolutions' work with the European Association for Cardio‑Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), Bance notes, “Updating and securing their Adult Cardiac Database demonstrated how thoughtful modernisation can deliver immediate value. By grounding transformation in clinical context and human insight, organisations can enhance both data security and trust in their services.

“These principles apply consistently across healthcare settings. Whether working with NHS organisations or independent healthcare providers such as Bupa and Nuffield Health, the priorities are always aligned. Clinicians want reliable systems that are designed around real-world workflows and evolving security environments. When technology supports that, it becomes a genuine enabler of quality care.”

He concludes, “The recent policy focus reinforces that maintaining the status quo isn’t sustainable. But modernisation doesn’t need to be disruptive, with the right approach, it becomes a pathway to safer, more connected and efficient care.”