We'll spend on IT so staff can focus on patients, writes health secretary VICTORIA ATKINS

I want doctors to spend as much time as possible face-to-face with patients, delivering the best-quality care they can.

But as I travel to hospitals, GP practices and health centres across England, I am frequently told how old, clunky technology is wasting so much valuable time and resources.

In fact, a recent British Medical Association survey revealed an estimated 13.5million hours are wasted every year as doctors stare at a slow-moving loading screen or reboot a crashed computer.

Our £3.4billion productivity investment announced at the Budget will make sure that changes.

This technology will focus on front-line staff, upgrading their day-to-day IT, significantly reducing the millions of wasted hours doctors spend sitting in front of screens, so they can get back to what they do best – treating their patients.

That is alongside our investment in revolutionary tech that will improve the treatment of a range of illnesses, from cancer to strokes. 

The tech investment offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our tech and digital capability – cutting red tape and making it easier for patients to access care.

Alongside this, the Long Term Workforce Plan will ensure the NHS has the right staff trained and retained over the next 15 years, backed by more than £2.4billion.

We are also reforming the way patients interact with the health service, whether that is through the NHS app or getting treatments for common illnesses via the Pharmacy First scheme.

This productivity boost will save up to £35billion over five years, meaning more money for front-line health services and an NHS that is faster, simpler and fairer for all.