Kingston and Richmond have been selected by NHS England to lead a pioneering project that will explore how health and care information systems can be better integrated, to empower patients and to support care providers to deliver an improved frailty service for our communities.

This initiative builds on our involvement in the National Frailty Collaborative and forms part of NHS England’s Digital Transformation portfolio.

Dr Annette Pautz, Kingston GP, said: “This is great news for SWL. Kingston and Richmond will lead the way in implementing digital systems that improve care for local residents. There is strong collaboration across the boroughs, and we look forward to sharing our learning nationally.”

Working in partnership with South West London Integrated Care Board (ICB), Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust will explore how systems can be better designed and used to make care more efficient and joined-up across health and social care.

The project launches on 1 December and will focus on:

  • Improving the flow of patient information between GPs, hospitals, community services, social care, and voluntary organisations
  • Using data to identify patients who need extra support before problems arise
  • Testing more efficient ways of working

The work will follow a seven-step process, including mapping current pathways, identifying challenges, designing improved workflows, and optimising functionality. The goal is to make systems easier to use, add new digital capabilities, and deliver measurable improvements in productivity.

Insights from this pilot will help shape future policy and be shared with other NHS systems