A programme intended to improve how Islanders’ medical information is shared between healthcare providers is behind schedule, with uncertainty over when new patient-record technology will begin operating.
Health Minister Tom Binet confirmed that the Connecting Health programme has been delayed by recruitment restrictions, staffing shortages and insufficient capacity within the government’s central IT department.
The programme includes plans for a Single Patient Record, which would allow authorised professionals to view information held across different health and care services.
Senator Binet said: “The programme is within its approved 2026 funding envelope but is not currently on time.”
Forecast spending is £5.19m against a £7.86m budget this year – an anticipated underspend of £2.67m.
The timetable for selecting a technology partner has been extended to allow a final review, additional time for bids and demonstrations, and thorough evaluation. Delays also followed efforts to widen engagement with Jersey technology companies.
The earliest point for signing a contract is now February 2027, with implementation and technical checks required before capabilities are introduced.
“It is too soon to confirm whether any platform capability releases will occur during the first half of 2027,” the minister said.
Senator Binet said an earlier reference to “NHS-aligned infrastructure in the first half of 2027” should be understood as the phased introduction of foundations for the system, rather than completion of the full Single Patient Record.
The immediate objective is to connect to the NHS Health and Social Care Network during 2026, enabling early benefits from shared prescription data.
The first Single Patient Record release is intended to be view-only and introduced gradually. Information considered for inclusion includes allergies, medicines, diagnoses, key test results and selected discharge information.
Plans to address the delays include recruiting temporary specialist staff and progressing work on data-sharing arrangements and system integration alongside procurement.
