Digital Pioneers
HI NENC has partnered with NHS England’s Digital First Primary Care Team to deliver the Digital Pioneers programme.
What is Digital Pioneers?
Digital Pioneers is a new programme of work that has the potential to transform areas of primary care as we know it.
The programme aims to facilitate collaboration, exchange ideas and support the scale and spread of digital health innovations within primary care, to improve the quality of care to patients and support the workforce to deliver better healthcare for all.
By providing opportunities for digital innovation and using digital technologies where appropriate, the Digital Pioneers programme will provide better access to digital care and services in primary care, and empower people to be partners in their own health and care needs. We want this to lead to improved patient satisfaction and reduced inequalities within our population.
Primary care staff working in general practice, optometry, dentistry and pharmacy are invited to get involved in the programme through one or all of the three workstreams:
- Identifying and embedding digital innovation across Primary Care through our Innovation Pathway.
- Fostering, supporting and connecting a network of Digital Champions.
- Convening and facilitating communities of practice.
Benefits of Digital Pioneers
- Provide better access to digital care and services in primary care, where patients can easily access the advice, support and treatment they need using digital and online tools.
- Develop a broader understanding of the needs and challenges in Primary Care and to identify areas where innovation could save money, relieve clinical pressures and overall improve patient care.
- Drive the development and adoption of innovation across primary care and foster a digitally skilled workforce.
- Increase digital confidence of primary care colleagues by providing education opportunities, CPD accredited courses and resources, and peer-to-peer support through a number of methods including the Digital Champions programme.
- Maximise opportunities for collaboration within the health and care system, including industry partners.
Alignment to regional and national priorities
Digital Pioneers brings together member organisations across the ICS to enhance collaboration and embed joint working even further. As well as establishing the governance to deliver primary care digital transformation and delivery, the programme will connect the wider health and care system through local partnership and via ICS digital structures.
Subscribe to our Digital Pioneers newsletter
You can find more information about each of the programme workstreams below. Or alternatively, please contact Rachael Forbister, Digital Transformation Programme Manager.
We’ve published our first impact report! Within the impact report, read about primary care achievements from the first year of the programme. Read it here.
Digital Champions
Do you work in primary care and have an enthusiasm for digital technology? Applications are open for a place on the new Digital Champions education programme to support digital change in the NHS in the North East and North Cumbria….
Developing innovative NHS ideas
Innovation is often a new concept to many who work within the primary care sector. To address this, HI NENC is working in collaboration with the primary care workforce to create a culture which supports the development of innovative ideas….
Digital Pioneers Blogs
This page features blogs and case studies exploring a range of topics showcasing digital technology and innovation. We hope you enjoy reading the blogs below, which have been written to inspire and excite you about the potential to transform digital…
Digital Pioneers Events and Training
The Digital Pioneers team is hosting a series of digital events and training opportunities for people working in primary care in the North East and North Cumbria. Find out more about upcoming events and register below.