A new “contract” for GP practice IT will require providers to supply systems that are compatible with others, it has been announced.

The government intends that that contract will be in force by next January. It will enable practices to switch providers as easily as “switching bank accounts,” according to health secretary Matt Hancock.

The contract will also require systems to be continuously upgradeable – and to host patient data on cloud servers. This will enable patient medical records to be available throughout the NHS, Mr Hancock said.

Mr Hancock also promised that the NHS was stepping up on cyber-security. Experts accredited by GCHQ have now trained 100 NHS boards.

He said: “Digital technology will fundamentally alter our relationship with the physical NHS. Remote access will change clinicians’ relationship with patients for the better. Technology won’t be at the expense of humanity.

“By contrast, technology will put more of a premium on the human ability to explain, reassure and contextualise. It will mean more time with patients, not less. For patients, digital transformation will mean less time hanging around in waiting rooms, more care at home.”

NHS England highlighted a successful project in Tameside, Greater Manchester linking care homes and sheltered housing with NHS helplines through Skype.

The service takes 8,000 calls a year and has, it is claimed, prevented 3,000 visits to A&E departments and 2,000 GP appointments.

The Royal College of Nursing accused Mr Hancock of putting too much reliance on technology to solve NHS problems.

Its director for England Patricia Marquis said: “It is not enough to talk about technology to solve shortages – it is people who look after people. Technology in hospitals in the community is transformative in care but not a replacement for the care of a living, breathing nurse.”