Applications now open for Digital Pioneer Fellowship to grow innovation

Applications are now open for a place on the Digital Pioneer Fellowship programme to support digital change in the NHS in London.

The programme, run by DigitalHealth.London, aims to support innovators employed by the health service to design and lead transformation projects.

Now in its third year, the 12-month programme provides up to 30 fellows with the opportunity to be part of a learning community focussed on accelerating the pace of digital transformation.

Those taking part have access to workshops, resources and events throughout the year to share challenges and experience, learn from experts and collaborate to co-design solutions.

Sara Nelson, programme lead, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has been one of the biggest challenges the NHS has faced and I have no doubt that the staff’s quick adaptation and uptake of digital innovations has been vital in enabling key services and care to continue over this period.

“As a nurse with over 25 years of service to the NHS, I appreciate how challenging digital transformation in the NHS can be if staff aren’t given the support, advice and time to develop professional skills that they need.”

Tara Donnelly, chief digital ffficer at NHSX, added: “We need to support the clinicians, service leads, managers and operational staff in our NHS who are at the heart of digital healthcare delivery with the tools they need to drive change in their organisations.

“The DigitalHealth.London Digital Pioneer Fellowship provides them with these tools and I am thrilled it is opening for applications once again and look forward to witnessing the impact this next cohort of change makers have on London’s NHS.”

In the first year of the programme more than 80% of fellows surveyed cited positive gain, saying that they gained specific technical skills or had met an individual challenge thanks to the programme.

All fellows surveyed afterwards were confident that being part of the fellowship was of benefit to their career.

The deadline for applications is midnight on 6 September with the programme beginning in November.

The programme is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. For more information or to apple visit the Digital Pioneer Fellowship webiste here.