The data from BT shows just 42% of staff trust that existing systems are robust enough to safeguard sensitive patient data.

In addition, 64% of NHS staff report that patient data is isolated and inoperable due to outdated systems.

Despite a modest rise in training on new technologies (from 5% in our 2022 survey to 15% in 2024), training on both new and existing systems has fallen from 47% to 39%. Frontline staff report a lack of regular training, with 60% calling for more.

The data also reveals that 57% of UK citizens worry about cyber-attacks on the NHS, 60% are concerned that cyber-attacks could disrupt or disable critical NHS systems, and 56% are concerned about patient data exposure.

In addition, 55% of the UK public rank training NHS staff in new technologies as a priority.

Professor Sultan Mahmud, director of healthcare, BT, said: ‘Threats targeting healthcare have grown in frequency and sophistication, endangering patient care and compromising vital services. BT logs 2,000 signals of potential cyber attacks every second, totalling 200 million per day across sectors. With over 1.7 million employees, the NHS is the UK's biggest employer, so empowering this workforce is vital.

‘Across the NHS, high awareness of cyber risk is overshadowed by a lack of preparedness. Moreover, significant frustrations with legacy systems are affecting care, exacerbating training gaps.'

Professor Natasha Phillips, former chief digital nurse to NHS England, Founder of Future Nurse and BT Clinical Advisory Board member, added: ‘As we embrace digital innovation, we must ensure that all clinicians have the confidence, training, and tools to work safely and free from disruption. Ultimately, building a resilient NHS requires a united effort, where technology, training, and trust come together.'