From Blueprint to Readiness: Five steps to get SPR-ready

By Aaron Jackson, VP UK & Ireland 

The vision for a Single Patient Record (SPR) in England is clear. 

The challenge now is how to move from vision to delivery in a way that is practical, achievable and builds on what already exists. 

Across the NHS, Shared Care Records have already made significant progress in connecting information across organisations within local systems. The next step is strengthening that capability, so it works consistently across boundaries. 

This is what we mean by SPR readiness. 

It’s not about building a new system. It’s about making existing systems work together more effectively so information can be shared, trusted and used wherever care is delivered. 

With increasing demand and pressure to improve productivity, how information flows across the system is becoming critical. Reducing friction in accessing and sharing information can make a real difference to both clinician experience and patient care. 

Based on our work in this space, here are five practical steps the NHS can take to help get started. 

1. Connect what already exists 

The starting point isn’t new systems. It’s making better use of the ones already in place. 

SPR readiness means linking existing systems, like Shared Care Records, into a trusted, federated network, rather than replacing them. 

2. Reduce information friction 

Too much time is still spent searching for information, duplicating work and re-documenting what already exists. 

Improving how information flows across systems helps reduce this friction, freeing up time and supporting better, more coordinated care. 

3. Invest in adoption and data quality 

Technology alone isn’t enough. 

Information needs to be integrated into day-to-day clinical workflows and trusted by those using it. That means focusing on data quality, usability and adoption, not just connectivity. 

4. Adopt standards and real-time exchange 

Consistent standards and more timely data sharing are essential to enable shared workflows and ensure updates are reflected across systems. 

Moving towards real-time exchange where it matters most helps improve coordination and decision-making. 

5. Strengthen governance and trust 

Clear information governance, auditability and patient confidence are critical. 

SPR readiness depends on creating the right conditions for safe, cross-boundary data sharing, with trust at the centre. 

From readiness to action 

None of this requires starting again. 

The opportunity now is to build on what’s already in place and take practical steps towards making information flow more consistently across the NHS. 

For a deeper look, our latest white paper, written in collaboration with Healthcare Innovation Consortium, explores how to get started with SPR readiness and build on existing capability across the NHS.