Healthcare data storage expert Tony Cotterill has called secure data management the "missing link" to improving patient care in the 21st century. Cotterill's comments follow in the wake of research carried out by GS1 UK and Hospital Dr which discovered that half of doctors expect Electronic Patient Records (EPRs) to improve patient care by providing verifiable, consistent and complete data to support verbal handovers between medical staff.

According to a recent (leaked) report, a cash crisis at South London Healthcare Trust left patients lying on the operating table before doctors' realised vital equipment had not been ordered.

Accurate treatment costs at patient level will become crucial in helping NHS managers identify and cut waste without affecting care, according to a group of senior NHS financial staff.

The International Health Terminology Standards Development Organisation (IHTSDO) announced a collaborative arrangement with the World Health Organization (WHO) to harmonize WHO classifications and SNOMED CT for the benefit of citizens around the world.

Details of the new NHS spending plan released by the health secretary includes a sustainable plan for the NHS to deliver efficiency savings in the same way as the rest of the public sector.

Voice Technologies has been appointed by the Walton Centre to provide digital dictation solutions to the Trust, with the agreement taking place under the Framework Agreement for NHS Trusts in Yorkshire and Humber.

Healthcare intelligence specialist Ardentia has announced the launch of Cassius Vision - the latest version of its web-based reporting tool used by more than 80 NHS Trusts and Boards.