Entrepreneur says Government failing to embrace digital health revolution

A LEADING technology entrepeneur and investor has accused the Government and the NHS of failing to embrace the 'digital health revolution'.
Peter Wilkinson, the Harrogate-based entrepreneurPeter Wilkinson, the Harrogate-based entrepreneur
Peter Wilkinson, the Harrogate-based entrepreneur

Peter Wilkinson said his Harrogate-based Inhealthcare business now provides a variety of digital healthcare services to more than 20,000 patients.

He told The Yorkshire Post: “Given the difficulties of getting the NHS to embrace anything this is a very creditable performance, however when one considers the improvement in service, efficiencies and patient convenience these services bring to the patients, this figure should be much higher.”

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Mr Wilkinson, who has invested millions of pounds in writing digital healthcare systems that are compatible with the NHS, said it is “a mystery and a disappointment” that the Government and the NHS do not take advantage of the opportunity to use technology to improve patient care, save money and remove mundane functions.

The Department of Health hit back. A spokeswoman said: “These claims have no basis - making the NHS a world leader in digital healthcare is a central priority, which is why we’re investing £1 billion in health technology, we’re introducing free Wi-fi in NHS hospitals and we’re on track to create a truly digital, paperless NHS by 2020.”

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