[Whitepaper] Digital Foundations for an AI-Enabled NHS

We’re excited to share our contribution to Healthcare Innovation Consortium’s UK EPR Network whitepaper, Digital Foundations for an AI-Enabled NHS. Collaborating with Altera Digital Health, Dedalus, Hill Dickinson, SI-Squared, and Orion Health, this work reflects shared expertise across the NHS EPR ecosystem.

The whitepaper highlights that AI cannot reach its potential without strong digital foundations, starting with Electronic Patient Records (EPRs). Variability in EPR maturity, configuration, and use undermines data quality and interoperability, risking ambitions like the Single Patient Record and AI-enabled care.

Key messages:

• Digital readiness ≠ EPR presence: Data must be structured, complete, and real-time.

• AI integration: Tools must fit clinical workflows and be explainable and clinician-led.

• Shared infrastructure and governance: Essential for scalable, equitable adoption.

• Evolving frameworks: Legal and regulatory structures must support responsible innovation.

Safe, scalable AI is a systems challenge. Strengthening the NHS digital backbone and fostering collaboration lays the groundwork for intelligent, integrated care.

This whitepaper was supported by the wider EPR Network community:
Aire Innovate, CLEO Systems, Dedalus, DigiSafe, Harris Computer, IGEL Technology, Integrella, Intersystems, Ready Computing, SystemC