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Cancer help and support does not stop when an appointment ends. For many patients and carers, the hardest moments come between visits, when symptoms change, questions surface and reassurance feels distant. This blog explores why anxiety often peaks outside the clinic, how information gaps affect confidence and behaviour, and where simple, patient centred digital support can quietly make a difference. It focuses on practical ways services can strengthen support without adding burden.

The NHS 10 Year Health Plan sets out a long term shift towards community care, prevention and digital services. Alongside the NHS 10 Year Workforce Plan and the medium term planning framework, it signals a move away from constant crisis response and towards something more deliberate and sustainable. This article explores why 2026 feels like a genuine turning point, what the changes mean for staff and patients, and why progress may be slow, uneven, but still important.

A GP online consultation offers patients a simpler way to reach their practice, often without the stress of long phone queues or rushed conversations. It helps teams handle requests more smoothly, improve triage and create a more flexible workflow that fits the reality of busy NHS days. This approach isn’t perfect for every situation, but it’s becoming an essential part of modern primary care and a practical step toward better access for patients.

Digital transformation in the NHS is accelerating, and at its heart are tools that connect patients and healthcare teams more effectively. This blog explores 6 examples of digital patient engagement platforms transforming care in the NHS - from online triage and patient apps to health monitoring and education tools. Each example highlights how technology is improving communication, streamlining workloads and empowering patients to take a more active role in their health, driving better outcomes across the NHS.

A patient engagement app can transform how NHS Trusts communicate with patients beyond the hospital walls. By giving patients access to trusted, condition specific information, these apps help them better understand their care, manage symptoms and feel more in control of their recovery. For hospital teams, they offer consistency, reduce repetitive queries and improve patient confidence - ultimately supporting smoother, more informed care journeys across secondary care.

Silicon Practice has acquired ImproveWell, the award-winning staff engagement and quality improvement platform. The move combines two innovators in healthcare technology, enhancing solutions for both patient and workforce engagement. ImproveWell empowers staff to share ideas, track experiences and drive improvement, while Silicon Practice brings over 20 years’ expertise in digital access and patient engagement. Together, they will deliver a more holistic approach to healthcare, supporting organisations, staff and patients through collaboration, real-time insight and innovation.

Understanding your organisation’s digital progress isn’t always simple. The NHS digital maturity assessment gives a thorough view, but it can take time to complete. Our free digital maturity assessment NHS tool offers a shorter, more focused snapshot, designed for busy practice managers. Together, they give a balanced picture of where you stand against NHS digital standards and what to improve next. Spend just a few minutes with our assessment to uncover clear, practical steps toward better access and smoother patient care.

Digital triage has come a long way in the NHS, but plenty of myths still linger in 2025. Some stem from early experiences with clunky tech, others from assumptions that don’t hold up anymore. From worries about patient access to fears of staff losing control, these misconceptions can overshadow the real benefits. In truth, an NHS triage system supports decision making, helps practices manage demand more effectively and offers patients quicker routes to care - without replacing traditional options.

Silicon Practice has acquired Wysdom CloudPlus Technology, marking its entry into the dental market. CloudPlus is a next generation dental practice management system combining the flexibility of cloud based software with the reliability of local infrastructure. Designed for uninterrupted service, it offers robust data security, direct hardware integration and a user friendly interface. This acquisition expands Silicon Practice’s digital health portfolio, enabling us to support both NHS and private dental practices with secure, intuitive solutions that enhance patient access and streamline workflows.

Care navigation in general practice is about making sure patients get to the right care, first time. It reduces delays, avoids unnecessary appointments and eases pressure on staff. Traditionally, it’s been a manual process handled at reception, but with rising demand, that’s no longer enough. Digital care navigation tools can triage requests, guide conversations and route patients more efficiently. The result? Quicker access, better use of resources and a smoother experience for everyone involved.