The NHS has struck a deal with Microsoft aiming to connect as million as 1.2 million staff across NHS organisations.

The agreement between NHSX, NHS Digital and Microsoft will deploy Microsoft 365 software in a bid to save the health service in England hundreds of millions of pounds.

GPs, consultants, nurses, therapists, paramedics and support staff, will have access to services within Microsoft 365, ensuring they are able to use tools such as Microsoft Teams, which will enable staff to collaborate through instant messaging, audio and video calls.

The agreement secures access to a variety of Microsoft applications, building on an agreement first announced in April 2018 that enabled NHS organisations to use Windows 10 to strengthen their defences against cyber attacks.

Matt Hancock, secretary of state for health and social care, said: “Adopting the most up to date digital tools and operating systems are crucial for a modern day NHS – allowing staff to work as efficiently as possible which will deliver even better care for patients.

"We have seen incredible, innovative uses of technology throughout the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic and this new deal with Microsoft will pave the way for that to continue by ensuring we get the basics right.”

Sarah Wilkinson, chief executive at NHS Digital, said: “This deal will allow the NHS to derive productivity and collaboration benefits from the use of numerous Microsoft products and will strengthen cyber security across the system."

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