The UK government has awarded a £2.5 million contract to develop a secure global military medical records system, enabling deployed clinicians to view and share health data even offline
The UK government has awarded a £2.5 million contract to develop a digital health records system for deployed military personnel. Project Mercury will allow clinicians to access and share secure medical data worldwide, even offline, modernising care for troops on operations.
Transforming access to medical data in deployed settings
The new system, Project Mercury, marks a significant milestone in the digital transformation of military healthcare. As military operations become increasingly complex and geographically dispersed, the need for readily available, secure medical information is critical. Previously, deployed clinicians often faced difficulties accessing comprehensive health records, especially in austere or disconnected environments, which could lead to delays in treatment or incomplete patient histories. Project Mercury is designed to overcome these challenges by offering an integrated solution that brings together cutting-edge digital technology and clinical expertise.
One of the key features of Project Mercury is its robust offline capability. By leveraging Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, clinicians can securely transfer patient data between devices without an internet connection. This is particularly advantageous in remote or hostile environments, where reliable communications infrastructure cannot be guaranteed. The system’s design ensures that sensitive data remains protected, with stringent security protocols in place to safeguard against unauthorised access or data breaches.
Supporting innovation, clinicians, and frontline care
Furthermore, the development of Project Mercury reflects the MOD’s commitment to innovation and agility. Collaborating with a specialised SME like Avenue3 not only accelerates technological advancement but also supports the broader aims of the Defence Industrial Strategy 2025. The project benefits from direct input from frontline clinicians, ensuring that the platform meets the real-world needs of medical staff working under pressure.
In addition to improving operational effectiveness, the introduction of a modern digital health records system is expected to enhance overall well-being among military personnel. Ready access to up-to-date health information enables more proactive and personalised care, reducing risks and improving outcomes in the field. As Project Mercury progresses through development and rollout, it is anticipated to set a new standard for military healthcare, potentially serving as a model for allied forces and civilian emergency response teams alike.
The contract has been awarded by the Defence Medical Services to Leeds digital health-care solutions consultancy Avenue3.
Project Mercury will enable military clinicians to view, record, and share medical data across devices, anywhere in the world, even when the internet is unavailable. The application’s Near Field Communication (NFC) technology enables offline data transfer.
The contract is expected to be released in Spring 2026, with continued development and rollout throughout 2027.
The contract award aligns with the Defence Industrial Strategy 2025, which commits to increasing MOD spending with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Clinical Lead for Project Mercury at the Defence Medical Services, Lt Col Michael Claydon, said: “Project Mercury is a real game-changer and will help military clinicians provide effective and accurate care to deployed personnel no matter where in the world they are serving.
Avenue3 is the ideal development partner for delivering the electronic health record frontline medics need. Through close engagement with UK and NATO clinicians and commanders, we will rapidly optimise Mercury for current and future conflicts.”
Alex McNair, Chief Technology Officer and Founder of Avenue3, added: “Project Mercury represents a major step forward in enabling safe, connected, and resilient healthcare for deployed personnel. By building on open standards and a clinically led design approach, we’re helping to deliver world-class digital healthcare capabilities wherever they’re needed.”
The delivery phase was launched at the Green Howards Museum in Richmond, North Yorkshire, highlighted by an event showcasing the evolution of deployed medical equipment.
Project Mercury is delivered by the Programme Cortisone team and Defence Digital, working to replace outdated systems with a secure, modern healthcare platform.
