Exclusive:NHS IT systems 'not fit for purpose' and need 'urgent upgrade', warns BMA Scotland

BMA Scotland, the doctors’ union, said the Scottish Government must “fix the basics” by bringing the NHS’s IT systems into the 21st century, and then look at long-term options to introduce AI.

They said the next Scottish Government could “transform” the healthcare system across the country if they make updating IT a priority.

Dr Iain Kennedy, chair of BMA Scotland, said many routine and administrative tasks could be easier if there was a better digital system in place, freeing up clinicians to focus on frontline care.

Speaking to The Scotsman, he said: “While AI does have the potential to have a role in the way healthcare is delivered, we need to focus on fixing the basics first, such as IT systems that are not fit for purpose and need rapid improvement.

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“The fact that GPs still have to sign prescriptions by hand and the proposed NHS app is still a way from being generally introduced shows how far there is to go.

“However, in the long-term AI could potentially assist in automating routine tasks and reducing administrative burdens, which could help improve efficiency and allow staff to focus on complex, value-added activities and improve outcomes for patients.

“This requires considered implementation, including proper testing, ensuring it complements and enhances existing healthcare systems, and addressing issues of liability, regulation, and data governance.”

Dr Kennedy said AI could “transform” healthcare jobs, but its introduction must be carefully managed to avoid increasing clinicians’ workloads.

He added: “Patients are currently facing difficulty in accessing timely treatment and that’s why we have been calling for a clear and detailed plan for the NHS to ensure it becomes sustainable for both now and for the future.

“First improve IT and then ultimately carefully planned use of AI should be an important part of that plan.”

The comments come ahead of the Scottish Conservative Party conference this weekend in Edinburgh, where the party will call for the government to immediately update the NHS’s digital systems.

Brian Whittle MSP, the party’s public health spokesman, said none of the IT systems in the NHS talk to each other, which is contributing to issues such as bed blocking, ambulances queuing outside A&E, and corridor care.

He said: “It’s not even just different health boards not talking to each other, it’s different wards within hospitals not talking to each other.

“Imagine how much easier it would be to have patients’ digital records to hand right across the NHS.

“There is a massive cost to the paper system we are currently using, and that money could be used on the frontline instead.

“We are spending £22 billion on the health service, so it is not short of money - the problem we are trying to solve here is time.

“Technology could revolutionise the way we do healthcare and a lot of other things - it is the first thing we need to do.

“It is also not that expensive - it is not a technology problem or a money problem. There is a fear factor and currently the government is going about it in the wrong way.”

A Scottish Government Spokesperson said: “In 2025-26 we invested over £115 million in digital health and care in total.

“Our digital programmes of work include the rollout of new GP IT infrastructure and the development of digital prescribing and dispensing pathways. These will benefit both the workforce and patients.

“MyCare.scot was launched in December 2025 in NHS Lanarkshire. It will be made available nationally from April this year and will be progressively enhanced over time.

“We are also developing an AI framework for health and social care. It will set out the conditions for the safe and ethical use of AI to improve delivery of services and outcomes for people.”