Clinicians begin year-long informatics fellowship at NHS Digital

Four frontline clinicians have started a year-long informatics fellowship at NHS Digital to support the design of a new generation of digital tools and services for NHS staff and patients.

The successful quartet are Joan Pons Laplana, a transformation nurse from James Paget University Hospital; Tommy Reay, a social worker from Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospital; Ira Goodman, an anaesthetic operating department practitioner from Moorfields Eye Hospital; and Anthony Kenny, a specialist sexual health nurse from Kings College Hospital.

During their year-long placement they will get the opportunity to work in both data and technology environments on a range of programmes, products and systems that support the continued provision of high quality patient care and the modernisation of frontline services.

Joan Pons Laplana, clinical informatics fellow, said: “Technology is going to be fundamental for the future of nursing and the whole of the NHS.
“The only way we can develop and continue to deliver goal-centred care is to empower patients and staff with digital platforms so that we can practice more forward-thinking, preventative healthcare.

“Ultimately, these tools will help us deliver more effective and efficient services and I’m so excited to be a part of that.”

The team will join forces with the two clinical leadership fellows who are undertaking the National Medical Director’s fellowship and the chief pharmaceutical officer’s fellowship, both run by the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management, which was founded by all the UK’s medical royal colleges and faculties.

After the group has been evaluated in the autumn, there is a chance more fellowships could be created.

Anne Cooper, chief nurse at NHS Digital, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the four new clinical fellows have started.

“They bring a completely new perspective to our organisation and great front-line experience, as well as lots and lots of creative ideas.

“I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us and for them to take their data and technology learnings back to the front line to enhance their profession and delivery of care.”

In a separate story, Digital Health News reported last week that a group of more than 20 NHS workers are to take part in the 2018 NHS Digital Pioneer Fellowship.

The aim of the 12-month programme is to develop the group’s knowledge and capability in influencing, problem solving, change management and business case development, while delivering digital transformation for their organisations.