How to Navigate the NHS Single Patient Record Journey

Generational change is coming to the NHS. The Single Patient Record System (SPR), which is in the process of being adopted by the NHS, is not an everyday technology deployment: It has the potential to transform care delivery in ways that haven’t been seen in decades. Imagine a system that can bring together fragmented data, connect disparate systems, and empower clinicians with the insights that help deliver safer, more personalized, and more efficient care. Patient empowerment is at the center of this transformation, giving each patient more control and stewardship over their health data.

However, there are risks associated with this transformation, such as technical complexity, historic lack of trust, and the immense scale of the NHS ecosystem. If the SPR is to succeed in its ambitious goals, the system needs more than good infrastructure. It needs trusted data, secure interoperability, and a willingness to approach tasks differently than in the past.

Data is only valuable if it’s actually usable. At Quantexa, we’ve taken on this challenge for many organizations, and we understand the support required for successful outcomes. To embrace this opportunity requires deep technical expertise, a proven track record in large-scale transformation, and a clear-eyed view of what it takes to help national data programs succeed.

Lessons learned from past NHS data initiatives

The SPR is the result of a legacy of previous attempts at national integration, such as the National Program for IT (NPfIT)—in this case, the technical execution outpaced stakeholder engagement and semantic governance. However, these efforts have been useful, since participants learned valuable lessons for building better future solutions.

To build better, there must be ambitious planning behind the SPR, since it intends to provide every clinician and patient access to a consistent, accurate, and real-time view of care—no matter where they are in the system. Keep in mind that the value of a shared record isn’t simply in the infrastructure; it’s in the clarity of the data it houses, and the confidence users have in what they see.

The SPR will deliver its true value not in abstract architecture or digital strategies, but in empowering patients with their own data. The success of this endeavor will depend on data that is accurate, secure, and usable across the many parts of the NHS.

Proposed models for the NHS Single Patient Record

As plans for the NHS Single Patient Record are implemented, there are several approaches to consider, each with their own opportunities, risks, and implications for patients, clinicians, and the wider healthcare system.

Greenfield Replacement Model

This approach calls for building an entirely new, stand-alone SPR platform from the ground up—in other words, a “greenfield” system to replace existing local and regional health information systems. The model offers maximum design flexibility and the chance to standardize data, governance, and access across the NHS.

However, the greenfield model is also the most disruptive option. It would need significant change management, a standardized data management framework, migration of legacy data, and thorough transition planning to avoid loss of historical context and clinical continuity.

Hybrid Integration Model

This is a mixed approach that could accelerate SPR implementation by taking advantage of the NHS’s considerable investments in shared care records and established regional platforms. Similar approaches have been used in Yorkshire and Humber (Interweave) as well as the Cheshire and Merseyside CiPHA system.

In this model, the SPR becomes an orchestration layer, integrating and reconciling patient data from these trusted sources to provide a consistent national view while maintaining the autonomy and value of existing systems. This incremental approach creates less disruption and makes the most of proven digital infrastructure. But it also creates challenges relating to interoperability, semantic alignment, and governance consistency.

Federated Open Standards Model

In this model, the SPR is built on top of the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP), using open standards such as OpenEHR and OMOP for data interoperability and analytics. This is a flexible, standards-driven approach that can evolve alongside the broader digital transformation of the NHS. With open data models and APIs, the SPR becomes inherently extensible and future-proof, and well-positioned to accommodate emerging clinical and research needs. However, its success relies on wide adoption of open standards, investment in national enablement, and strong commitment to collaborative governance.

The three models above each show a different pathway toward the goal of a unified, patient-centric SPR, with Quantexa playing a meaningful role across all three options.

How Quantexa supports a national SPR vision

At the heart of the Quantexa approach, across all options, is Entity Resolution, technology that transforms disparate, fragmented data into a unified, accurate view of each patient. It’s already used by some of the world’s most data-intensive organizations, and:

• Achieves up to 99% accuracy in resolving records across siloed systems, reducing duplication and risk.
• Scales securely to national-level deployments, with built-in governance and compliance.
• Integrates seamlessly into existing data architectures, complementing investments like shared care records and federated data platforms.

Our philosophy is just as important as our technology. We don’t believe in centralizing control or imposing rigid frameworks. Our model is federated and flexible designed to empower NHS Trusts, ICBs, and other stakeholders to own their data, govern it locally, and collaborate across the system without compromising autonomy.

Lasting change in the NHS comes from the people who use data every day to make life-saving decisions. Quantexa’s role is as a potential partner: one that listens first, acts with respect, and brings outside expertise to support existing initiatives.

We also understand the NHS’s investment in programs like the FDP and Shared Care Records. Our technology can complement these efforts by enhancing interoperability, improving data quality, and accelerating delivery of the SPR.

A shared vision of the future of NHS data

The SPR is not just a technical project. It’s a chance to redesign how the NHS connects data to better care for patients. It’s about empowering patients to take ownership of their care, enabling clinicians to see the full picture, reducing the burden on frontline staff, and ultimately improving health outcomes for millions of people.

We believe in the “start small, scale smart” approach to implementing the SPR. The NHS should consider beginning with targeted pilots in high-need patient groups, using incremental steps to ensure success and scalability. Also, scaling from a regional level to national, regions can share outcomes nationally and build a foundation for trust and co-creation.

We know this journey won’t be easy. But we’re confident that, with the right partnerships, the NHS can build something truly transformational. And we believe Quantexa has a meaningful role to play in making that vision a reality.

Because when data works harder, healthcare works better.

Ram Rajaraman will be discussing this topic further at HETT Show in a panel session on Oct 7, 2025 12:45 PM to 1:25 PM. The session is titled Unlocking the Power of a Single Patient Record: Driving Safer, Smarter, More Connected Care. The panel will discuss how a unified digital patient record could transform care across the NHS. By bringing together fragmented data into a single, accessible view, the NHS can improve patient safety, reduce inefficiencies, and create a strong foundation for innovation.