Key Insights from David Elliott, CDIO
David Elliott, the executive chief digital information officer (CDIO) of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, emphasized that focusing on the fundamentals is essential for digital success. This strategy has contributed to the trust being recognized as the best-performing large hospital trust in England.
Recent Rankings
- Northumbria Healthcare ranked ninth in the NHS acute trust league tables published on September 9, 2025.
- The top eight positions were held by specialist hospitals.
Investment in Digital Infrastructure
Since the NHS WannaCry cyber attack in 2017, there has been significant investment in digital technologies. Elliott noted that when he joined the trust seven years ago, his main focus was on:
- Ensuring reliable infrastructure.
- Replacing PCs older than four years.
- Providing handheld devices to all staff members.
Improving System Reliability
Elliott described efforts to enhance system reliability, stating:
“We started to put digital access to systems in the hands of the clinicians and the nurses and made sure that everything works as well as it possibly can do when you switch it on.”
These initiatives reduced downtime from an average of 36 hours lost per person per year to under 10 hours.
Development of Digital Patient Records
The trust has shifted from relying on external suppliers to developing its own digital patient record systems. Key points include:
- Investment in a development team to create customized digital solutions.
- A 30-member team focused on the OneView system, central to their digital patient record.
- Implementation of two-week development sprints to incorporate clinician feedback.
Acquisition of Health Call Solutions
In March 2025, Northumbria Healthcare acquired Health Call Solutions Limited to expand its software offerings. Elliott stated the goal is to:
- Enhance and customize Health Call.
- Market it to other providers.
- Reinvest profits into the trust’s digital team.
Future Plans and AI Integration
Looking ahead, Northumbria aims to accelerate the transition from analogue to digital as outlined in the government’s 10-year health plan. Plans include:
- Utilizing AI and machine learning for smarter appointment management.
- Implementing ambient voice technology.
- Enhancing the did not attend (DNA) system to predict and reduce missed appointments.
Pragmatic Approach to AI
Elliott emphasized a practical approach to AI, stating:
“AI should just be a potential tool to solve some of the things – there are other avenues to go down.”
He reiterated the importance of focusing on the specific problems that need addressing, ensuring that AI is part of a broader strategy rather than the primary focus.