Responding to the publication of the Who pays for what guidance by NHSX, the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery said:

"We broadly welcome the publication of the Who pays for what (WPFW) proposals by NHSX today. Trusts have long called for digital funding to be streamlined and simplified and so today's guidance is a positive step in the right direction. It is encouraging to see the proposals published alongside the NHSX What good looks like (WGLL) framework, with both documents describing NHSX's digital expectations for the sector.

"The WPFW guidance helpfully provides more information on what initiatives should be funded by integrated care systems going forward and what trusts can expect to be funded nationally, although this needs to be aligned with proposals in the Health and Care Bill. There is also a welcome consolidation of funds for 2021/22 set out in the Unified Tech Fund that should make it easier for those most in need to receive funding.

As ever, we also need to be mindful of the amount of funding available for digital innovations and where this fits in a growing list of priorities for health spending.

Saffron Cordery    Deputy Chief Executive

"As ever, we also need to be mindful of the amount of funding available for digital innovations and where this fits in a growing list of priorities for health spending. The success of this guidance, and the ability of trusts to progress on the digital agenda, will ultimately depend on the comprehensive spending review settlement later this year.

"After such huge progress made over the last year, trust leaders do not want digital delivery to stall. From board level to the frontline, there is an ambition across the sector to accelerate digital ways of working like never before.

"While the WGLL framework articulates the vision for the NHS' digital agenda and WPFW guidance has set the groundwork for a funding framework, we need the investment to make this a reality for patients, service users and staff."