NHS England cancels £300m Digital Pathways Framework
Would have modernised GPs with interoperable systems
NHS England (NHSE) has scrapped a £300 million project aimed at modernising GP services.
The decision comes after delays caused by a legal claim against the procurement process.
As reported by Digital Health News, NHSE informed suppliers earlier this month that the procurement process for the Digital Pathways Framework (DPF) had been cancelled, and no supplier agreements will be awarded as a result.
"Due to delays brought about as a result of various factors (including the suspension caused by the on-going litigation and the restrictions related to the upcoming general election), NHS England considers that it will not realistically be able to conclude the framework agreements in July 2024 and therefore there will not be sufficient time for digital pathways solutions to be implemented this year," it said in a notice to suppliers.
Despite the setback, NHSE remains committed to improving patient access through technology.
An NHSE spokesperson told Digital Health News that the NHS's plan for recovering access to primary care has already equipped many GP practices with the latest technology, making it easier for patients to connect with their doctors.
While the framework is no longer the chosen path forward, integrated care boards (ICBs) will still be able to support practices in acquiring "appropriate digital solutions," the spokesperson added. Additional funding, provided through the recovery plan and existing collaboration with ICBs, will facilitate this.
GPs can continue using the available in-year funding for this purpose.
Further details regarding alternative options for digital pathways product suppliers will be announced by NHSE "in due course," the spokesperson added.
Digital Pathways Framework
The DPF was part of a set of frameworks aimed at bolstering contemporary GPs through the provision of standardised, guaranteed and interoperable digital systems tailored for primary care environments.
It was intended to streamline access to digital tools for messaging, consultations and care navigation.
Additionally, it aimed to connect ICBs with approved suppliers, facilitating a rapid shift towards a Modern General Practice (MGP) model as outlined in the NHS plan for recovering access to primary care.
The framework was initially slated for a full launch in August, with supplier contracts to be awarded shortly after. However, the project was suspended in February due to a legal challenge.
The challenge delayed approvals and contract awards, making it impossible to implement the framework within the desired timeframe.
In April, anticipating further delays, NHSE announced £48 million in funding for ICBs to help them invest in digital tools for primary care.
NHSE also announced an enhanced national support programme to assist ICBs in maximising the available funding to implement these digital upgrades throughout 2024/25, aligning with the goals of the MGP model.