Yesterday, Answer Digital had the pleasure of hosting a panel discussion at our Leeds offices, bringing together leading voices in healthcare technology to explore the challenges, opportunities, and trends shaping the industry. Hosted by Luke Snelling and James Page, the event featured a stellar panel comprising:

• David Thompson, Head of Digital Solutions and Technical Services at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
• Matt Newby, Managing Director at Silver Buck
• Rachel Smith, Digital Transformation, Data and Projects at 18 Week Support.
  

With a lively audience and an engaging Q&A format, the discussion delved into key issues such as workforce challenges, innovation in healthcare, and lessons learned from delivering digital health solutions.

A foundation in health tech

Health tech is central to Answer Digital’s mission. Our projects span every level of the NHS—from managing electronic patient records locally at Airedale to regional innovations like speeding up referrals in North East and North Cumbria, and national efforts to standardise data flows between GP practices.

With 25 years of experience, we’ve witnessed significant changes and leveraged our expertise to support digital health transformation across the UK. This panel discussion explored how these changes are evolving, particularly in the post-pandemic landscape.

Post-pandemic shifts: a new era for health tech

The panelists reflected on the biggest post-pandemic changes, particularly the rapid shift to remote working and the increasing expectation of providing care beyond hospital walls.

From moving to electronic care planning to integrating Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs), the pandemic forced healthcare providers to adapt swiftly, often with less funding and more governance requirements. The consensus? The future of care is remote, digital, and interconnected.

Innovation: focused and patient-centric

When asked where innovation is thriving, the panel highlighted the importance of focused, pathway-specific solutions. From AI-powered elective recovery tools that reduce missed appointments to more efficient communication systems, innovation isn’t just about grand ideas—it’s about addressing real, immediate needs. The panel also noted the challenges in cutting through the “noise” of the crowded innovation space, emphasising the importance of a strong patient-product fit for success.

Barriers to change: resistance and legacy systems

The discussion also addressed resistance to change, with panelists pointing to “change fatigue” and funding constraints as major hurdles. Historical issues, like outdated architectures and the lack of interoperability between systems, were seen as roadblocks to progress. The panel agreed that the NHS needs to find a balance between maintaining legacy systems and introducing innovative solutions, with a greater focus on proven technologies that deliver measurable outcomes.

The role of AI: hype vs. reality

AI was another hot topic. The panel emphasised AI’s transformative potential in diagnostics, cybersecurity, and streamlining processes, such as identifying patients at risk of missing appointments.

However, the conversation also underscored the need for a realistic, measured approach to AI adoption. Small, incremental improvements are essential for building trust and demonstrating tangible benefits without overpromising or alienating healthcare professionals.

Addressing interoperability and prevention

Interoperability remains a significant challenge, particularly as more care moves outside hospital settings. The panel discussed the need for smarter systems, better data collection, and tools like virtual wards to manage patient care holistically.

However, they also acknowledged that some solutions might shift rather than solve problems, highlighting the importance of evaluating the real impact of new technologies.

Closing thoughts: building for the future

The session concluded with a look toward the future of healthcare technology. As the industry grapples with balancing “keeping the lights on” with innovation, the need for strategic, scalable solutions is more urgent than ever.

The panelists agreed that collaboration, robust governance, and a focus on long-term outcomes will be essential for driving meaningful change in the sector.

This event was a testament to the power of conversation and collaboration in shaping the future of healthcare technology. We’d like to thank our panelists, hosts, and attendees for making it such an insightful and engaging session.

As we continue to deliver impactful health tech solutions, discussions like these remind us of the incredible potential for innovation to improve lives.

If you are interested in contributing to future panel discussions or would like to share your thoughts, contact us.