Topic overview
In brief
- The NHS reportedly spends £240 million annually on paper records.
- Only five NHS trusts in England have fully digitized patient records.
- 209 NHS sites still rely entirely on paper documentation.
Summary
The NHS reportedly spends £240 million annually on storing paper records, as many sites continue to rely solely on paper documentation. According to a report by the King's Fund, only five NHS trusts in England have fully digitized patient records, despite previous government commitments to transition to a paperless system. The report highlights that 209 NHS sites, including diagnostic centers and clinics, still depend entirely on paper records, which can lead to communication failures and inaccuracies in patient care. While the NHS has plans to implement a single patient record system by 2028, independent confirmation of these findings remains limited, raising concerns about the efficiency and effectiveness of current record-keeping practices.