Digital innovation and ground-breaking technology were celebrated at a digital awards ceremony – the first of its kind in Walsall and Wolverhampton.

Hosted by the Digital Innovation Unit, which works across Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, the event brought together colleagues who are interested in, or taking part in, a digital innovation project – providing an opportunity to network and showcase their work.

Professor David Loughton CBE, Group Chief Executive, welcomed healthcare professionals across hospital, community, and primary care settings to the conference suite at GTG in Wolverhampton.

He said: “People, data and technology are crucial to the ongoing evolution of the NHS, and by working together we can innovate to deliver exceptional patient care now, and for the future.”

Alvina Nisbett, Group Director of Digital Innovation, said: “This event was about raising awareness of good digital governance and clinical safety, plus a chance to hear from experts on the importance of digital innovation linked to healthcare.”

Speakers touched on a range of topics and included Jayne Lawrence, Head of Information at RWT, talking about the benefits of good data storage.

Janet Mortimore, Head of Information at Walsall Healthcare, detailed the statistics and reports available via its Walsall’s ‘InfoHub’, which is considered as to be the “jewel in the crown.”

The Trusts were privileged to welcome special guests Dr Umang Patel, Chief Clinical Information Officer for Microsoft, and Professor Sultan Mahmud, Director of Healthcare at BT.

Dr Patel spoke about artificial intelligence in healthcare, including the possibilities, the impact and the challenges. He said: “The world has changed, and I think we can get on the front foot to transform healthcare delivery.”

Professor Mahmud talked about artificial intelligence platforms, data architecture, cloud connectivity, and a digital future that is “within grasp”.

“Our ambition is to be the most trusted, innovative and effective partner to the NHS, while also thinking of how we can be sustainable throughout tech delivery,” he said.

Staff were invited to create posters which were displayed in the main concourse – all showcasing their efforts to improve processes and patient outcomes.

The event concluded with an award ceremony, which saw the following staff recognised:

• Baljit Juss, Digital Implementation Manager, Reducing Digital Inequalities and Improving Digital Access Award
• Ruth Stokes, Senior Sister for Nursing Quality, Innovative Use of Data and Analytics to Improve Patient Outcomes Award
• Tim Mortimer, Project Support Officer, Improving out of Hospital Care Through Digital Award
• Andrea Campbell Jackson, Service Support Manager – Virtual Ward & Hospital at Home, Empowering Patients or Staff through Digital Award
• Dr Sandeep Hothi, Consultant Cardiologist, Digital Clinical Pathway Transformation Award