With the recent announcement of additional funding for NHS technology in the Autumn Budget, the increasing role of AI in healthcare, and the momentum of the 10-year health plan, the digital health sector is gearing up for significant changes as we approach 2026.

Predictions from Health Tech Suppliers

Digital Health News reached out to health tech suppliers to gather their insights on what 2026 may hold. Here are their predictions:

• Shaun O’Hanlon, Chief Executive, Optum (UK):

  Technology will be crucial in implementing the NHS’s 10-year health plan, facilitating care beyond hospital settings through interoperability and data-driven pathways. Key points include:

  • Revolution in diagnostics and elective care.
  • Community pharmacies as local health hubs.
  • Next-generation AI enhancing productivity and patient outcomes.
• Steve Wightman, Managing Director, Access HSC:

  2026 must see the 10-year health plan put into action. He emphasizes:

  • Digital and data can empower healthcare professionals.
  • Focus on mental health services and integrated care.
• Dr. Rachael Grimaldi, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer, CardMedic:

  She hopes for meaningful action from the NHS’s health plan, highlighting:

  • Closing the gap between innovation and implementation.
  • Integrated care systems leading the way in technology adoption.
• Tom Whicher, Founder and Chief Executive, DrDoctor:

  Whicher predicts a shift towards an online NHS, with:

  • Connected platforms for patient access.
  • Neighbourhood health centres changing care delivery.
• Mark Hutchinson, Executive Vice President, Altera Digital Health:

  He anticipates a focus on:

  • Optimizing existing digital capabilities.
  • Innovating safely and sustainably.
• Brian Murray, Sales Director UK and Ireland, Better:

  Murray sees 2026 as a year for:

  • Maturing open digital platforms.
  • AI evolving into practical clinical decision support.
• Markus Bolton, Chief Executive, Graphnet Health:

  He believes 2026 will see:

  • More care delivered closer to home.
  • Integration of digital health records for unified insights.
• Nick Wilson, Chief Executive, System C:

  Wilson predicts AI will become essential in healthcare, with:

  • Ambient voice technology standardizing clinical documentation.
  • AI solutions integrated into core systems.
• Chris Scarisbrick, Deputy UK Managing Director, Sectra:

  He emphasizes the need for:

  • Faster, more connected imaging solutions.
  • Modernizing diagnostic platforms.
• Sharon Hanley, Director of Primary Care, X-on Health:

  Hanley highlights the importance of:

  • Integrating primary care around community needs.
  • Establishing clear referral routes and communication.
• Graham Watson, Executive Chair, InnoScot Health:

  He believes 2026 will be a pivotal year for:

  • Decisive action in healthcare innovation.
  • Empowering patients to take control of their healthcare.
• Dr. Harry Thirkettle, Director of Health Innovation, Aire Logic:

  Thirkettle stresses the need for:

  • AI readiness across healthcare systems.
  • Building infrastructure that supports community care.
• Dr. Rahul Goyal, Lead Clinical Executive, Elsevier:

  He notes that AI’s success will depend on:

  • Robust governance and ethical frameworks.
  • Building trust among clinicians and patients.
• Paul Wye, Head of AI, Answer Digital:

  Wye anticipates:

  • Meaningful scale in AI adoption.
  • Growth of the NHS App as a digital front door for patients.
• Ric Thompson, Senior Vice President, OneAdvanced:

  Thompson believes 2026 will mark:

  • A measurable shift in digital transformation.
  • AI integrated into everyday workflows.
• Gary McAllister, Chief Technology Officer, Dell Technologies:

  He predicts:

  • Continued change and focus on data solutions.
  • Introduction of robots and automated screening in community settings.
• Kultar Garcha, NHS GP and Chief Medical Officer, Flow Neuroscience:

  Garcha expresses concern that:

  • Innovation may not meet the needs of mental health care.
  • Community hubs need proper support to be effective.
• Siim Saare, Founder and Chief Executive, Lifeyear:

  Saare sees a shift in:

  • Cardiovascular care towards proactive management.
  • Multidisciplinary care models enabled by digital infrastructure.
• Nadine Carey-Whitehead, Commercial Director, Insource:

  She emphasizes the importance of:

  • Reliable data for automating patient journeys.
  • Breaking down siloed datasets for better care.
• Shravan Govindaraj, Product Marketing Manager, XP Power:

  Govindaraj highlights the need for:

  • Reliable power for critical medical technologies.
  • Stable infrastructure to support healthcare innovations.
• Roy Wills, Vice President and Head of Healthcare Business and Partnerships, Intellias:

  Wills believes 2026 will see:

  • AI becoming a critical layer of healthcare infrastructure.
  • Integration of AI into care pathways and financial operations.
• Dr. Sonia Szamocki, Founder and Chief Executive, 32Co:

  She anticipates:

  • Rapid AI adoption in healthcare settings.
  • Improved efficiency in drug discovery and clinical trials.