In 2024/25, we made progress in improving digital connectivity, supporting staff mobility and developing a shared digital workforce strategy across the region.
The Ability to Work Anywhere (AtWA) programme aims to reduce digital barriers for staff working across Trusts. It focuses on improving Wi-Fi and system access to support seamless working between sites. This work was shaped by a Digital Priorities Workshop held by the Provider Collaborative, which brought together colleagues from across the system to agree shared goals.
We are also reviewing the digital workforce to understand current skills and future needs. This will help us plan training, leadership development and recruitment across the region.
In the year ahead, we will begin rolling out the AtWA plan, complete the workforce review and establish a regional Digital Board to guide our priorities. These efforts will help us build a more connected, efficient and responsive digital infrastructure across our system.
The continued rollout and development of the Great North Care Record (GNCR) remains a key digital priority for the region with work this year undertaken to understand usage across the system and outline actions to support more widespread adoption and value.
Impact of the Great North Care Record:
- Overall, a 63% increase in usage of the GNCR compared to 2023
- More than 50% of the health professional workforce across NENC Providers using the GNCR
- Increased adoption by Local Authorities with an 87% increase in usage across the region compared to 2023
- Increased Adoption by GP Practices with a 50% increase in usage compared to 2023
Whilst training and adoption figures are high and continued to improve, there is still large proportions of Trust staff that do not know they can access GNCR and this will be a key focus for improvement in 2025/26.
