Mission 3

The NHS Wales App has become a key digital gateway for patient services across Wales. With more than three quarters of a million registered users, it has exceeded its March 2026 target and is enabling patients to manage key aspects of their care independently. This includes ordering repeat prescriptions and booking GP appointments (where enabled by GP practices). The app now also provides access to information about waiting list referrals (made by a GP) and information about outpatient appointments, helping patients better understand and track their care journeys.

The content accessible to Welsh Clinical Portal (WCP) continues to expand, supporting frontline care across Wales, typically for over 600,000 patients every month. Paediatric Growth Charts are now available across Wales. This enhancement allows clinicians to quickly and securely view accurate, up‑to‑date growth trends, supporting earlier identification of potential health concerns.

A new Workflow Action List is being trialled in Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board. This product, which supports clinical workflow, has been developed and is managed by DHCW and allows departments, such as cardiology and endoscopy, to receive and process diagnostic requests, reducing reliance on paper processes and improving task management. It also enables specialist services to group and manage patients.

National rollout of Electronic Test Requesting (ETR) continues at pace, with over 85% pathology tests requested electronically and almost a quarter of radiology test requests being made electronically.

Pathology and Radiology, supplemented by further modules such as Endoscopy, Histology, and Cardiology, are currently in pilot and testing phases. An electronic Operation Note has also been released to early adopters, incorporating Scan4Safety functionality to support patient safety.

Electronic Prescription Services (EPS) is live across all health boards in Wales, with GP rollout progressing toward full implementation by November 2026. Uptake by GPs and community pharmacies has exceeded national targets, with millions of prescription items already processed. Monthly usage continues to grow steadily, and more than half a million patients have received prescriptions through EPS, supporting more efficient prescribing and dispensing across the system, making it easier for patients to receive their medication.

The Microsoft 365 Centre of Excellence (MSCoE) led a national approach to purchasing Microsoft Extended Security Update licences following the end of Windows 10 support, ensuring NHS Wales devices remained secure while transitioning to Windows 11, enabling more secure and reliable devices helping staff focus on patient care without digital disruption. Through coordinated negotiations with Microsoft and close collaboration with health boards, the programme secured a £375,000 saving for NHS Wales. The work also highlighted the benefits of a unified national approach and has informed the next phase: a Device Optimisation Discovery Project to improve visibility, management and long‑term sustainability of the NHS Wales device estate, supporting safer and more efficient digital services.

Overall, the continued growth of the NHS Wales App, expansion of content and workflow capabilities in the WCP, and the ongoing benefits of the WNCR are improving access, continuity and efficiency across health and care settings. Alongside the implementation of major national programmes such as EPS and enabling functions, including UCD, these advances are helping to deliver safer, more joined-up care. The focus for 2026-27 will be placed on scaling adoption, completing rollouts and integrations, and using consistent data and design standards to further improve user experience and outcomes for all stakeholders.