Responding to a report by the expert panel of the health and social care committee on the 'Evaluation of government commitments made on the digitisation of the NHS', the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:

"Trust leaders will broadly welcome this report's findings and the ongoing need to hold the government to account on its digital commitments in the NHS.

"The Expert Panel's assessment that the health and care sector is facing the stark realities of 'inadequate' funding and resources available to deliver digital transformation will come as no surprise to leaders.

"This is particularly true when it comes to funding for initiatives to deliver improvements in the cost and efficiency of care and to build a digital workforce.

"We cannot pretend though that funding and workforce challenges can simply be fixed by buying more laptops and tablets. The focus must be on getting the right digital skillsets and teams in place to deliver against these commitments.

"Trusts and their local partners are committed to playing their part in improving the digitisation of the NHS. For example, they have seen first-hand how integrated health care records have transformed services for patients and staff where they have been rolled out.

"But it is concerning that the value of digital transformation, and the quality, safety and cost-saving benefits it can deliver, is not being taken as seriously as it should. The raid on digital funding this year, with money diverted because of the government's decision to not fully fund 2022/23 pay award, is both short sighted and undermines a sustainable approach to digitising the NHS.

"Trusts and their partners clearly need extra resource and support if they are expected to deliver all of the improvements being asked of them."