Attending Digital Health Rewired 2025 at the NEC Birmingham was both energising and insightful. The event showcased just how far digital health has come – and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
Across two great days, key themes emerged reflecting NHS priorities and offering valuable insights for innovators looking to scale their solutions within the NHS: digital transformation, community-centred care, and preventive approaches.
Three major trends shaping digital health
1. From standalone tools to integrated platforms
There’s a decisive move away from standalone digital tools towards integrated platforms. Speakers emphasised the importance of scalable, interoperable solutions that support seamless care across hospitals, communities, and homes – breaking down digital silos and enhancing patient experience.
2. The rise of ambient voice technology
Ambient voice technology emerged as a powerful innovation becoming mainstream in clinical practice. AI-driven speech recognition now significantly reduces administrative burdens, freeing clinicians to spend more valuable time directly with patients.
3. The power of digital leadership
Effective digital leadership was highlighted as vital. Transformation requires not only innovative technologies but also the right culture, collaboration, and empowered leadership to drive sustainable change across the NHS.
Innovation in action: Pitchfest & NHS Innovation Accelerator
A swell of innovative energy was palpable, especially during Pitchfest and the NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) fellow launch, showcasing incredible enthusiasm and creativity. These platforms presented exciting ideas and future game changers poised to transform healthcare delivery across the UK.
Scaling innovation: lessons from Stroke AI
I was honoured to jo
in a dynamic panel chaired by Liz Jones (RLDatix), alongside Dr Simon Wallace (Microsoft), Linda Watts (Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust), and Andy Wilkins (Imperial College). I was delighted by the engagement and enthusiasm around our Stroke AI imaging case study and how in a few short years the NHS has achieved 100% adoption of the technology.
At Health Innovation Oxford and Thames Valley, we played a pivotal role in creating a robust regional pathway that enabled Stroke AI adoption nationally. Remarkably, Stroke AI is now implemented in all 107 stroke centres across England. This achievement illustrates significant lessons for accelerating innovation within the NHS and generated substantial follow-up interest from delegates keen to replicate this success.
Looking ahead: optimism and opportunity in digital health
Digital Health Rewired 2025 reaffirmed optimism about the future of digital health. For innovators, NHS digital leads, and policymakers, the path ahead offers tremendous potential to transform care, enhance health outcomes, and build a more resilient NHS.
If you’re interested in leveraging our digital health expertise or our adoption and scaling support services, please reach out. Stroke AI provides a proven example of how strategic regional groundwork can significantly benefit patients across the country.
Get in touch at info@healthinnovationoxford.org
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