United Kingdom - Digital HealthcareUK - Digital Healthcare
Overview
The size, structure, and complexity of the UK’s public healthcare system, the National Health Service (NHS), has created the need for a vast, efficient digital health infrastructure. Whilst successive governments have regarded digitalization as an essential component in tackling the social and economic challenges facing the NHS, the road to full digital maturity hasn’t been easy. Progress is being made, for example within NHS England the larger of the four NHS systems, the current executive has committed the organization to become paperless and achieve a national interoperable electronic health records. Digital innovation also forms a key part of the 2019 NHS Long Term Plan. These initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to making the NHS a fully digitalized organization, one capable of utilizing the latest innovation.
Whilst it’s difficult to place an exact value of the digital health in the UK, this is already a very well developed and competitive market which plays host to numerous leading technology companies such as Cerner, IBM, Oracle, EMIS and BT. The market still offers a lot of opportunities for smaller companies and developers especially those offering innovative technology. Potential suppliers are advised to begin by gaining an in-depth understanding of their respective industry segment and building contacts to establish what’s required within the market and to determine the best method of entry. It will also be necessary to adhere to relevant UK/European Union compliance rules or regulations.
The actual procurement route will vary depending on the product or service. Tender opportunities are frequently advertised by centralized organizations such as NHS Digital, regional NHS trusts or collaborative procurement hubs. All public-sector bodies including NHS agencies are subject to European Union procurement law, which specifies that high value contacts must be advertised on European Union public procurement web site Tenders Electronic Daily (TED). In the UK, it is also mandatory for all public-sector organizations to advertise their procurement opportunities worth over £10,000 ($13,000) on Contracts Finder. Lower value contracts will be advised in local publications etc. Companies can also apply to join frameworks via web site such as the G-Cloud Digital Marketplace for suppliers of cloud software etc.
Leading Sub-Sectors
Leading sub-sectors include apps, wearable technology; mHealth, health analytics (data analytics); AI technology, remote consultation and monitoring devices; assistive technology, telehealth/care.
Opportunities
Opportunities exist in all areas of the healthcare sector including mental health; age-related treatments, monitoring and care; wellness and disease prevention; as well as long-term condition management. There’s demand for innovative technology that can improve clinical outcomes, patient experience and save money.
Potential suppliers are also encouraged to explore opportunities within the other three devolved public healthcare systems NHS Wales, NHS Scotland, and Health and Social Care (HSC) Northern Ireland.
Web Resources
Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.
The size, structure, and complexity of the UK’s public healthcare system, the National Health Service (NHS), has created the need for a vast, efficient digital health infrastructure. Whilst successive governments have regarded digitalization as an essential component in tackling the social and economic challenges facing the NHS, the road to full digital maturity hasn’t been easy. Progress is being made, for example within NHS England the larger of the four NHS systems, the current executive has committed the organization to become paperless and achieve a national interoperable electronic health records. Digital innovation also forms a key part of the 2019 NHS Long Term Plan. These initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to making the NHS a fully digitalized organization, one capable of utilizing the latest innovation.
Whilst it’s difficult to place an exact value of the digital health in the UK, this is already a very well developed and competitive market which plays host to numerous leading technology companies such as Cerner, IBM, Oracle, EMIS and BT. The market still offers a lot of opportunities for smaller companies and developers especially those offering innovative technology. Potential suppliers are advised to begin by gaining an in-depth understanding of their respective industry segment and building contacts to establish what’s required within the market and to determine the best method of entry. It will also be necessary to adhere to relevant UK/European Union compliance rules or regulations.
The actual procurement route will vary depending on the product or service. Tender opportunities are frequently advertised by centralized organizations such as NHS Digital, regional NHS trusts or collaborative procurement hubs. All public-sector bodies including NHS agencies are subject to European Union procurement law, which specifies that high value contacts must be advertised on European Union public procurement web site Tenders Electronic Daily (TED). In the UK, it is also mandatory for all public-sector organizations to advertise their procurement opportunities worth over £10,000 ($13,000) on Contracts Finder. Lower value contracts will be advised in local publications etc. Companies can also apply to join frameworks via web site such as the G-Cloud Digital Marketplace for suppliers of cloud software etc.
Leading Sub-Sectors
Leading sub-sectors include apps, wearable technology; mHealth, health analytics (data analytics); AI technology, remote consultation and monitoring devices; assistive technology, telehealth/care.
Opportunities
Opportunities exist in all areas of the healthcare sector including mental health; age-related treatments, monitoring and care; wellness and disease prevention; as well as long-term condition management. There’s demand for innovative technology that can improve clinical outcomes, patient experience and save money.
Potential suppliers are also encouraged to explore opportunities within the other three devolved public healthcare systems NHS Wales, NHS Scotland, and Health and Social Care (HSC) Northern Ireland.
Web Resources
Industry Events
Digital Healthcare Show co-located with The Health Care Show, The Residential & Home Care Show, and The IPC & Patient Safety Show
June 26-27, 2019
ExCel, London
HETT (Healthcare Excellence Through Technology)
October 1-2, 2019
Excel, London
GIANT
October 15-16, 2019
Chelsea Football Club Stadium, London
Government Departments
Department of Health and Social Care (England) & NHS Digital
NHS Scotland & Digital Health & Care Scotland
NHS Wales & NHS Wales Informatics Service
Health and Social Care (HSC) Northern Ireland
Trade Associations
HiMSS UK
techUK
ECHAlliance
For further information, please contact:
Cheryl Withers
Commercial Specialist
U.S. Commercial Service
Tel: 011 44 20 7891 3471
Email cheryl.withers@trade.gov
Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.