The introduction of a 'paperless NHS' will not only save the NHS an estimated £5bn per year but will also allow patient data to be shared on a scale never before seen in the UK, enhancing the provision of high-quality care and promoting the UK as a world leader in medical innovation.

However, as identified in the recently published Caldicott Review, protecting patient privacy – effectively anonymising data and ensuring information is only accessed by appropriate people – is a key factor that must be addressed before the benefits of sharing patient data can ethically be gained.

At Sharing Patient Information: realising the potential of a paperless NHS we will explore the benefits a move towards a paperless NHS will have on the quality of care professionals will be able to provide, as well as the capacity for medical research. Expert speakers and panellists will discuss the possible benefits, whilst also addressing the importance of effective information governance to ensure patient data is utilised in a safe and ethical way. Case studies will share best practice with delegates to assess how sharing information can enhance the quality of care and the capacity for innovation in research.