As the NHS advances in technology, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has expressed concerns that the real danger lies in the system’s slow pace of modernization. In a keynote address at the Institute for Government’s annual conference on January 13, 2026, he emphasized the need to align public demand for change with the ongoing technological revolution.

Key Points from the Speech:

• Streeting highlighted that one of the main objectives of the NHS 10-Year Health Plan, released in July 2025, is to transition from ‘analogue to digital’ systems.
• He criticized the reliance on outdated systems, stating, “Running twenty-first-century public services on analogue systems is not a neutral choice; it is an active decision to waste time, money, and human potential.”
• Streeting warned that a slow rollout of technology could entrench inefficiencies in the NHS as demand continues to grow.

He further noted:

• The case for improving productivity through technology is compelling, as highly trained professionals should not spend excessive time on tasks that could be automated.
• “Every minute spent chasing paperwork is a minute not spent teaching, treating, or rehabilitating,” he stated.
• Digitization is essential for enhancing expertise, increasing output, and improving patient outcomes without continually seeking additional taxpayer funding.

Examples of Technological Advancements

Streeting cited the success of an AI-powered chest X-ray tool in Greater Manchester, which has significantly reduced the time for lung cancer diagnoses. The percentage of patients receiving results within 24 hours increased from 25% to 75% in just three weeks.

Balancing Technology and Human Touch

He emphasized the principle of using technology where possible while maintaining human interaction where it matters most. “The NHS will always be a people-based service. Empathy, expertise, and accountability can’t be substituted with tech,” he remarked.

Streeting also pointed out the importance of ensuring that patients receive personalized care, stating that if a GP is focused on their screen, they cannot provide the best service to their patients. Utilizing AI for administrative tasks allows healthcare professionals to concentrate fully on patient care.

Addressing Digital Exclusion

While acknowledging the risk of digital exclusion, Streeting cautioned against making assumptions about who is connected to technology. He noted that the NHS is lagging behind public expectations and highlighted a case where a consultant used a personal AI app due to the NHS trust’s outdated systems.

Concerns from Regulatory Bodies

In October 2025, the Care Quality Commission raised alarms about the potential for the NHS’s digital transition to exclude vulnerable patients and exacerbate existing health inequalities. The government has also recognized that its digital reforms face significant delivery risks.

Streeting’s remarks underscore the urgent need for the NHS to embrace technology to improve efficiency and patient care while remaining mindful of the human elements that are essential to healthcare.