Plans for NHS Digital and NHS England to merge are to be brought forward to January 2023.

The announcement from the Department of Health and Social Care is part of Our plan for patients.

The merge attempts to streamline data sharing across the NHS to benefit patients with streamlined care, so they can make more informed decisions about how and where to access care. It should reduce the need for data sharing across the health system and provide easier access to electronic patient records.

The merge was due to happen at the end of March 2023, but it is to be brought forward to early January instead.

This means there will be a single statutory body responsible for data and digital technology for the NHS. The move includes plans to accelerate digital transformation to drive efficiencies.

It has been pointed out that controls will be in place to protect patient data.