• The Health Foundation has published a new report, Securing a positive health care technology legacy from COVID-19.
• Among patients and NHS staff who reported increased use of technology, the overwhelming majority said they had positive experiences.
• NHS staff surveyed highlighted the need for adequate IT and equipment and sufficient staffing amongst the top challenges for building on recent technological progress.

Responding to the report from The Health Foundation Securing a positive health care technology legacy from COVID-19, the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery said:

"NHS trusts have deployed an impressive array of digital technologies during the pandemic, to help continue the delivery of safe, quality and effective care.

"It is very encouraging that an overwhelming majority of staff and patients reported positive experiences when engaging with these tools. Today's survey results are testament to the hard work and determination of IT, clinical and operations teams implementing new ways of working while responding to COVID-19.

However, these findings also point to the challenge of sustaining this momentum: ensuring adequate equipment is in place along with adequate staffing.

Saffron Cordery    Deputy Chief Executive

"However, these findings also point to the challenge of sustaining this momentum: ensuring adequate equipment is in place along with adequate staffing. Trust leaders are rightly focused on the wellbeing of staff who have adapted and reacted so effectively over the last 12 months.

"There is not a limitless pool of goodwill if the basics aren't in place: poor Wi-Fi, multiple log ins and inadequate support and training, to name just a few.

"Trusts must be enabled to fix basic infrastructure and support staff. This means access to funding – both revenue and capital – so trust leaders don't have to reprioritise existing funds that are reserved for other investments."