Frontline staff within our NHS are the heroes in the spotlight, rightly celebrated for their direct impact on patient care. However, behind every frontline clinician is a dedicated team working behind the scenes tirelessly to ensure the best possible service and care.
For years, I have been involved in the Health and Life Sciences sector from a commercialisation perspective, working with world-class organisations, care providers and supporting frontline organisations. It wasn’t until my involvement with the Academic Health Science Network, now Health Innovation, that I fully appreciated the vital role of the teams behind the scenes, particularly involved in technology and innovation.
The NHS employs over 1.3 million people, with nearly 40% working behind the scenes to keep the health system running efficiently. Among these are our technology and innovation teams, who play a crucial role in transforming healthcare services, constantly and consistently making things better.
My experience collaborating with Health Innovation Teams across North East and North Cumbria has been eye-opening. We enhanced the Innovation Pathway using the Yohlar approach, a framework designed to streamline and enhance the adoption of new technologies in healthcare, supporting current systems and paving the way for future advancements.
A cornerstone of our efforts has been the introduction of the Health and Life Sciences Pledge. This focuses on bringing organisations from across the region together to adopt the Power of 3 and better communicate, collaborate and celebrate. Encouraging, enabling and empowering more and better innovation that ultimately leads to saving lives and improving livelihoods.
My recently, commission is helping support the delivery of the Digital Strategy with Chief Information and Technology Officers from across North East and Tees Valley. This strategy integrates advanced digital solutions into various health services, ensuring that technology is both supportive and transformative. The dedication of each team member in navigating healthcare digitalisation reflects the shared commitment to excellence and innovation.
To highlight the scale of our efforts, consider this: the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System (ICS NENC) is the largest of the 42 systems in England. In fact, it’s larger than 30 countries and serves over 3 million people! These impressive statistics underscore the importance and impact of our work.
The impact of these behind-the-scenes teams cannot be overstated. Their work might be less visible than that of frontline staff, but it is equally vital. From developing software in order to manage millions of patient records securely, to implementing systems for realtime data, these teams are the backbone of our healthcare system.
As we face new health challenges, the role of technology and innovation within the NHS will only grow in importance. It’s crucial to support and invest in these teams, ensuring they have the resources and recognition they deserve. Through their exceptional minds, we achieve extraordinary outcomes, making the NHS a global leader in health innovation and care.
So, while the applause often goes to those at the front, let’s also recognise those in the shadows – the strategists, technologists, analysts, and other unsung heroes of the NHS. Their dedication and hard work enable our frontline heroes to perform their best. Let’s celebrate every contributor to our healthcare system, for they all play a part in our nation’s health and wellbeing. Thank you for all you do and the way you do it.
Ammar Mirza CBE is Chair & Founder of Asian Business Connexions, Chair of the NELEP Business Growth Board, Honorary Colonel of 101 Regiment RA and holds various positions across the public and private sectors.