Digital innovation praised in NHS England visit
Date of release: 31 October 2023
“Passionate” healthcare professionals in Wolverhampton have been praised for their efforts after showcasing their digital innovations to executives from NHS England.
Claire Madon, Chief Nursing Information Officer for NHS England – Midlands, and Helen Balsdon, Interim Chief Nursing Information Officer for NHS England, heard a range of speakers as they attended a special, digital innovation-focused event at New Cross Hospital earlier this month.
Sir David Nicholson KCB CBE, Group Chair of the Board, welcomed the guests to the session.
He said: “When it comes to data, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) produces more relevant operational and clinical information than any Trust I’ve seen throughout my career.
“I’m really excited about what’s happening here and how we can integrate hospital, community and primary care services. We’re keen to work with NHS England more closely to identify any opportunities for improvement and gain support with sharing that good practice.”
Professor David Loughton CBE, Group Chief Executive, added: “The work that is going on, particularly in community settings, is already making a positive change – particularly in regard to Emergency Department attendances and ward admissions.
“At the heart of what we do is the information we’re able to muster and analyse, and today is an important part of us taking that work to the next level.”
Alvina Nisbett, Associate Director of Digital Innovation, headed up the meeting, inviting a multidisciplinary group of staff members to present on topics including:- Technology helping clinicians to identify patients in the final years of life (known as PRADA) – ensuring advanced care planning can take place
- An acute huddle tool which captures a range of information including patient flow and bed status
- The Trust’s Virtual Ward and remote monitoring solutions
- Community Digital Matrix which includes a live dashboard, digitally held caseload with visible patient pathways
“Digital innovation means different things to different people,” explained Alvina. It’s not always about doing something new – sometimes it’s about celebrating what we already do, and things that are already happening. It may not be groundbreaking, but it may make processes more efficient, although we do aim to disrupt the norm.
“We’re delighted to promote our smarter services that are data driven and showcase our digitally activated healthcare system which focuses on enhancing the now and developing the future”
Professor Dev Singh, Director of Clinical IT, added: “We are concerned about the individuals here, not the numbers. The data is underpinned by real people who have complex care needs, and we need to look at the whole infrastructure and how we can join up ideas and systems.
“We’re not lacking in support from our executive leadership team, and I, like many, am passionate about doing things differently and paving the way for the future.”
Reflecting on the session Claire said: “My mantra is about doing good stuff for patients, and I’m really excited about what I’m hearing. I’m also thinking about how I can expose this good work and help to both spread and scale some of this.
“We’re here to help plug some opportunities and raise the profile of RWT, especially when it relates to clinical safety.”
Helen added: “During the visit I was able to see an ecosystem made of hospital, virtual ward, community and primary care digital solutions designed with people at the centre.
“I saw so much passion from all involved in digital transformation – all using data effectively to provide proactive care. It was great to come along and see the fantastic work of RWT teams, and I wish them every success in realising their digital ambitions.”
The following staff members who also presented at the meeting:- Nisha Kumari-Dewat, Clinical Digital Nurse
- Rachael Brown, Group Manager Primary Care and Adult Community Services
- Dr Mona Sidhu, GP
- Dr Yat Wah Li, Consultant in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine and Digital Clinical Lead.
The Virtual Ward Caseload Tool has been shortlisted for a Nursing Times Workforce Award in the category of ‘Best Use of Workplace Technology’. The team will find out on Tuesday 21 November at the awards ceremony if it has been successful.
