For many NHS trusts, the last few years have been defined by rapid digitisation, introducing essential systems, moving key workflows online and laying the groundwork for safer, more coordinated care. Now, a new phase is taking shape. With core digital capabilities in place, more organisations are turning their attention to optimisation and innovation. This takes shape by improving what they already have, unlocking greater value from their systems and exploring new digital tools that can transform pathways, ultimately helping them to improve productivity.

This next stage of evolution will be characterised by a focus on strong digital foundations, and user-centred functionality. The question is no longer whether to digitise, but how to innovate safely, sustainably and at scale.

From analogue to digital

This evolution reflects a wider national shift from analogue ways of working to digital-first models of care, a transition central to delivering the NHS 10 Year Health Plan. The move away from paper processes, outdated infrastructure and disconnected systems enables trusts to redesign pathways around the needs of patients and clinicians. Digital foundations enable more proactive, preventative and personalised care delivery—key ambitions of the Plan—which in turn paves the way for broader advances. This enables trusts to evolve their digital capabilities in close collaboration with clinicians, thanks to user-centred functionality that prioritises their needs and expertise.

Sustaining this momentum takes more than vision, it hinges on strong digital foundations. The Health Foundation[1] has highlighted in its research that meaningful innovation depends on reliable infrastructure, interoperable systems and a culture that supports continuous improvement. Without these fundamentals, new digital solutions risk becoming siloed or burdensome, adding complexity instead of solving it. Strong foundations ensure that trusts can test, adopt and refine digital tools with confidence—knowing that data will flow, systems will perform and staff will be supported throughout change.

A flexible, modular approach

This is where a flexible, modular approach becomes essential. At Altera Digital Health, we believe that innovation is most successful when organisations can evolve at their own pace, building on what already works rather than being forced into wholesale change. A modular architecture enables trusts to introduce new capabilities gradually—optimising clinical workflows, engaging clinicians, enhancing patient engagement tools, improving data interoperability—without disrupting broader operations. It also gives teams the freedom to focus on high-impact areas first, ensuring early benefits for clinicians and patients while maintaining long-term strategic alignment.

At a time when the NHS is under pressure to do more with less, having the right digital infrastructure with user-centred functionality is critical in optimising resources, driving innovation and improving outcomes. We’ve seen this in action with Altera’s Sunrise™ EPR at many of our client sites. With the solution being highly adaptable, it ensures that organisations can evolve with changing clinical and administrative needs.

At a time when the NHS is under pressure to do more with less, having the right digital infrastructure with user-centred functionality is critical in optimising resources, driving innovation and improving outcomes.

Strengthening digital foundations

Safety is central to this process. By strengthening digital foundations, improving data quality, ensuring strong governance and supporting staff through continuous training, trusts can innovate responsibly. Safe innovation means taking an iterative approach. Starting small, evaluating impact and scaling what works leads to empowering clinicians to shape digital improvements, ensuring solutions reflect the realities of frontline care. Our NHS clients demonstrate this every day, using modular enhancements to streamline documentation, reduce administrative pressure and design pathways that make them feel intuitive and supportive for both staff and patients.

As the next chapter of digital transformation unfolds, trusts have an opportunity to build smarter, safer and more responsive digital environments. With the right foundations in place, optimisation becomes a catalyst for innovation—and the path to a more resilient, patient-centred and future-ready NHS becomes increasingly within reach.

Learn more:

Download our eBook: Innovation starts with strong digital foundations: NHS client stories in action with Altera and visit us on stand B30 at Rewired 2026 on 24–25 March.

[1] https://www.health.org.uk/reports-and-analysis/analysis/electronic-patient-records-nhs-strategy