London, United Kingdom – NHS patients face avoidable delays and poorer health outcomes due to outdated technology, according to new data released today by Presidio, leading global technology services and solutions provider. Frontline clinicians across hospitals, primary care, and community services report that legacy systems have become a growing safety concern; driving inefficiency, slowing treatment, and increasing professional burnout.
The research highlights that:
- A fifth (19%) of frontline healthcare professionals in Ireland believe legacy technology is a direct barrier to delivering safe and timely care to patients.
- A quarter (23%) lack the staff and budget required to modernise systems, and rely on multiple workarounds to complete basic tasks (25%)
- 80% of frontline professionals indicate that technology is impacting clinician burnout, with 31% calling it a major factor.
The impact on patients is significant. 30% clinicians experience technology-related delays multiple times per week, 14% at least once a week, and 23% say delays occur daily. Patients in critical care are those most impacted.
Despite these challenges, healthcare professionals see clear potential for AI to improve care, if supported by the right infrastructure. Clinicians say AI would deliver immediate benefits in:
- Automated diagnostic imaging analysis (48%)
- Real-time clinical decision support (47%)
- Predictive analytics for early intervention (42%)
- Personalised treatment recommendations (35%)
“The NHS faces a technology crisis,” says Brid Graham, Senior Vice President, Presidio, Europe & Asia Pacific.
“This data shows how a failure to modernise, and continued underinvestment in technology, can directly impact patients. Treatment is slower, critical issues are missed, and clinicians are stretched to breaking point. Cutting waiting times and protecting patient safety must be the priority, and an AI-ready infrastructure is essential. With the right investment, frontline staff can deliver faster, safer care and reduce burnout.”
