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 Sofia Fontes, Associate Chief Nursing Information Officer, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust experience and advice for this year’s entrants below.
Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get involved in digital health?
My nursing career has always been focused on delivering safe, compassionate, and quality care. For those reasons, I became inspired by digital health as I see its potential to remove barriers, support clinical judgment, empower people and enhance care.
Digital transformation – when designed and implemented well - supports the provision of excellent care and becoming involved in digital health felt the right way to amplify my impact as it gives me the opportunity to advocate for staff and patients, bridging that gap and genuinely improve experiences and outcomes.
From your experience in digital transformation, what approaches have made a lasting impact in health and care?
The transformations that truly last are the ones driven by people and that prioritise culture over platforms or systems. Meaningful engagement with frontline staff, patients and communities is essential. I truly believe that when individuals feel heard and have ownership the value created is immense. Ultimately, it is the human side of digital that unlocks real progress and sustainable results.
What digital innovation or trend are you most excited to see influencing the NHS in the next few years?
I am most excited by the potential of intelligent data-driven care and learning health systems – systems that connect information across pathways, anticipate needs and help clinicians make informed decisions at the right time. Combined with greater interoperability and continuous focus in digital literacy we can adopt a proactive approach and move to preventative models, in line with the NHS 10y plan.
What have you learned from your time on the HSJ Digital Awards judging panel?
Judging the HSJ awards previously has been a privilege. It is a forum where creativity, resilience and determination is celebrated. I’ve been inspired by the level of progress and innovation that comes from collaboration – teams/individuals/organisations pairing clinical insight with digital expertise and lived experience. I’ve also learned how valuable reflections: teams that can articulate not only what worked but also what they have learned and improved along the way, truly stand out. It’s been energising to see the future of care being shaped so passionately.
What one piece of advice would you give to teams preparing their entries to help their work stand out?
My advice would be to focus on the story and purpose behind your project/innovation: why it mattered, who it helped and how you know how it made a difference. Digital transformation and excellence is not only about technology; it’s about the way it is implemented, about culture and connection. Use real stories data and be specific about outcomes, not just activity. In essence, bring your passion and purpose to life!