Meet the experts shaping the future of digital health and care. Our Judges Spotlight series showcases the vision and insight of the HSJ Digital Awards judging panel - leaders driving innovation, transformation and lasting impact across the NHS.
Discover Graham Prestwich, Patient and Public Involvement Lead, Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber, experience and advice for this year’s entrants below.
Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get involved in digital health?
I am a patient and regular user of health services. Since 1978, I have been closely involved in the development and delivery of health and care services. Since 2012, I have brought a patient and family perspective to discussions and decision-making on how to ensure people achieve the best possible outcomes of care. It is most satisfying to see services improve by becoming more inclusive and by effectively supporting and encouraging patients to be directly involved in their recovery and in maintaining good health. In my view, digital health is a modern way to expand access, diagnosis, and treatment, supported by individualised care, to create a more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable NHS. I consider it a privilege to help expand opportunities for everyone to benefit.
From your experience in digital transformation, what approaches have made a lasting impact in health and care?
The greatest benefits are realised when there is (a) effective and inclusive leadership (b) clear articulation of the problem to be solved (c) taking a whole person rather than a disease specific approach (d) being inclusive and accessible rather than exclusive and complex (e) can demonstrate the benefit and value of authentic user involvement throughout and (f) is backed up with effective training and support.
What digital innovation or trend are you most excited to see influencing the NHS in the next few years?
The most exciting trend is to make access to professional help quicker and simpler so that the gap between seeking help and having effective treatment is as short and as smooth as possible. This will greatly improve trust and confidence in our NHS and help people to live a better life and therefore be far more satisfying and rewarding for clinicians and all their colleagues.
What have you learned from your time on the HSJ Digital Awards judging panel?
Two things stand out, firstly the high professional standards of people working in the NHS who naturally adopt a very patient centred approach when judging new and exciting innovations. Secondly the quality of innovation and the effort that goes into bringing a new opportunity to the heart of the service. The passion and enthusiasm is very exciting to witness first hand.
What one piece of advice would you give to teams preparing their entries to help their work stand out?
To convince the judges that your entry has been authentically co-produced and describes an accessible, value for money solution, to a clearly defined problem.