The Royal Free London will receive up to £10million from the government to pioneer new technologies that will improve patient care.

The trust was one of only 12 selected to be a ‘global exemplar’ in health technology by the Department of Health, and the only trust in London.

The funding will be used to invest in technology and infrastructure and improve training for staff. We will pioneer new digital services and drive forward advances in digital technology, which will make our services more efficient and easier for patients to access.

The trust will be partnered with an international organisation in order to take advantage of their expertise in digital health and we will work with other NHS organisations to help them learn from our experiences.

The announcement follows a review of NHS technology conducted by renowned US clinician Bob Wachter.

David Sloman, the chief executive of the Royal Free London, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to pioneer new technology which will enable us to deliver better, more efficient care for patients.

“This is a huge opportunity for the trust and we look forward to working with and learning from partner organisations who will help us explore how new technology can be used for the benefit of patients and staff.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

Media contacts: rf.mediaenquiries@nhs.net or call 020 7472 6665

About the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role in the care of patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. In the 21st century, the Royal Free London continues to lead improvements in healthcare.

The Royal Free London attracts patients from across the country and beyond to its specialist services in liver and kidney transplantation, haemophilia, renal care, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, Parkinson's disease, vascular surgery, cardiology, amyloidosis and scleroderma and we are a member of the academic health science partnership UCLPartners.

In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London. Read 'A bigger trust, a better future'.