As digital leaders in the healthcare industry, NHS chief information officers (CIOs) have huge responsibilities and sometimes find that their roles can feel a bit isolating. They’re constantly juggling the pressure of meeting local and national expectations for digital transformation while simultaneously managing an ever-growing amount of risk now that patient care processes rely almost entirely on digital systems.
With CIOs playing such a pivotal role in the NHS, it’s critical that we fully support them to develop as leaders give them the tools they need to succeed. But with each CIO facing unique local needs and technologies and with no standard career path into the role, how can the NHS better support them to thrive?
Earlier this year, Channel 3 hosted a roundtable discussion on just this topic with some of the healthcare sector’s leading voices in digital:
– Helen Thomas, CEO of Digital Health and Care Wales.
– James Rawlinson, Director of Health Informatics at Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust.
– Julie Bailey, Director of Corporate Engagement at the British Computer Society.
– Andy Haywood, Managing Consultant at Channel 3 and former NHS CIO.
– David Churchill, Partner at Channel 3 and former NHS trust leader.
– Astrid Grant, Principal Consultant at Channel 3 and a member of the Faculty of Clinical Informatics.
They shared their insights and advice on how we can support digital leaders in health and social care at every stage of their unique professional journeys.
You can watch the recording of the CIO panel discussion here:
One of the key takeaways from the panel was the importance of mentorship and networking. Digital leaders need a support system they can turn to for guidance and advice, particularly as they navigate the unique challenges of the healthcare industry. Mentors and networking opportunities provide valuable opportunities to share experiences and learn from others who have faced similar obstacles.
We also discussed the importance of promoting diversity and inclusivity within the digital leadership community. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, it’s crucial that leaders from all backgrounds and experiences are given the opportunity to shape their future. By promoting diversity and inclusivity, we can ensure that the best and brightest minds are driving innovation and change in the industry.
Another area we explored was the need for ongoing education and training. With the healthcare industry constantly evolving, digital leaders need to stay up to date on the latest technologies and best practices to keep pace. By providing ongoing education and training opportunities, we can ensure our CIO community and other digital leaders are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to drive digital transformation in the industry.
The role of an NHS CIO in healthcare can be a daunting one, but by promoting mentorship, diversity and ongoing education, we can better support and develop our digital leadership community. At Channel 3, we’re committed to driving positive change in the healthcare industry by supporting and empowering its leaders.
