The Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) is undertaking a major digital transformation by replacing its outdated electronic patient record (EPR) system. This initiative is fundamental to the Trust's goals of boosting patient safety, improving operational efficiency, and significantly enhancing data quality. The procurement process for the new five-year contract is already in progress. A key element of the new system will be the introduction of patient portals, which will empower patients by giving them online access to appointments, medical records, and secure communication channels with their care teams. The new EPR is currently projected to go live in Spring 2027, following a comprehensive multi-stage programme.
Trust leadership is actively focused on mitigating implementation challenges. A top priority is resolving existing data quality issues, such as incomplete or inconsistent records, both before and during the migration process. This risk has been flagged in NSFT’s Board Assurance Framework, underscoring the necessity of ensuring accurate transfer of patient data. Furthermore, NSFT is making substantial investments in staff training and change management to ensure clinical and administrative teams successfully adopt the new digital workflows, thereby preventing the use of inefficient workarounds.
This EPR replacement aligns with wider regional and national digital strategies. Locally, it complements the work of the Norfolk and Waveney Acute Hospital Collaborative, which is investing £88 million, supported by NHS England, into the MEDITECH Expanse shared EPR system across three acute trusts. This regional collaboration aims to improve interoperability and care coordination. Nationally, the project supports the NHS's long-term vision for a Single Patient Record (SPR), a central element of the NHS 10-Year Health Plan designed to allow patients to securely share data across the entire health and care system for better-coordinated and personalised services.
Modern EPR systems are anticipated to deliver substantial benefits, including improvements in clinical quality, operational productivity, and staff efficiency. By providing fast access to accurate patient histories, they bolster risk management and patient safety. Crucially, they also establish the necessary foundation for future innovations, such as advanced analytics, clinical decision support tools, and predictive care models. Ultimately, this transition reflects NSFT’s commitment to modernising healthcare delivery, aiming to position the Trust as a leader in digital health transformation within the East of England through integrated, safer, and more connected care.
