Driving Digital Transformation

HI NENC drives inclusive digital transformation in healthcare across the North East and North Cumbria. We support the digital ambitions of the NHS Long Term plan, helping to accelerate the adoption of digital health technology to improve patient access to health and care services.

Our work supports NHS system partners to overcome challenges in adopting digital tools and services. Through our Innovation Pathway, we guide healthcare providers and innovators through a structured process to explore, evaluate and implement digital solutions into the NHS.

Supporting national shifts in healthcare

HI NENC’s Digital Transformation programmes are aligned to support the UK Government’s three key shifts in healthcare:

  • From hospitals to communities – we support partners to embed remote monitoring in healthcare technologies. These tools help patients to manage long-term conditions safely and confidently from home.
  • From analogue to digital – We help our local NHS to co-design and adopt inclusive digital tools and services. These technologies enable patients to manage their care independently.
  • From sickness to prevention – We apply the latest healthcare technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, to better predict patient needs and improve early diagnosis.

Connecting system partners to build an inclusive digital ecosystem

We work with a network of health and care professionals who lead the digital transformation agenda across the region’s Integrated Care System (ICS). Through our strong links and partnerships, we bring together the right people with the right skills, to help shape a more joined-up and inclusive digital health and care ecosystem.

For more information, please contact Dave Belshaw, Digital Transformation Director.

Remote monitoring pilot accelerates digital innovation in primary care

A pioneering remote monitoring pilot is supporting primary care staff by developing more efficient ways of working. Led by HI NENC in partnership with NENC Integrated Care Board (NENC ICB), the programme tested digital pathways in five GP practices for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and contraceptive pill checks.

Early outcomes are promising—one practice saved 50 appointments in just one month, with the potential to save 50,000 appointments annually if scaled up. Practices also reported improved efficiency, reduced GP workload, and better patient experience. This pilot highlights how  digital innovation can streamline primary care clinical pathways and support wider adoption of remote monitoring.

Read the full case study

Evaluating the Eko Digital Stethoscope: Improving diagnosis and training

HI NENC tested the Eko Core Digital Stethoscope to explore how benefit  primary care professionals. Redmoor Health provided 20 devices for evaluation.

The results showed key benefits, including clearer sound, the ability to record and review heart and lung sounds, and its usefulness as a training tool. The stethoscope was particularly effective in noisy settings and for remote consultations, supporting telemedicine.

Over three-quarters of participants plan to continue using the device. It also has potential applications in virtual wards, care homes, and paediatrics.

Read the full case study

Supporting NHS Digital Transformation: SDE Stakeholder Analysis

HI NENC collaborated with the NENC Secure Data Environment (SDE) to engage key stakeholders and shape future plans.

Through its Innovation Design Service, HI NENC led a fast-paced session with NHS Trusts, industry, academia, and researchers. This session gathered valuable insights, challenged existing assumptions, and identified gaps to ensure the SDE meets regional needs.

The findings helped to develop a clear business model, guiding the SDE’s future strategic direction.

Read the full case study