Driving Digital Transformation
HI NENC drives inclusive digital transformation across the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System (ICS), with the goal of improving outcomes for patients.
Working with a network of professionals who lead the digital transformation of the health and care system across the region’s ICS, we ensure they are connected to the right people, with the necessary skills to build the strong foundations for an inclusive digital ecosystem.
By working closely with people across the system we identify, support and facilitate opportunities to use digital health initiatives to transform pathways of care.
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.
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.
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.
Our Programmes
Private: 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? The programme aims to facilitate collaboration, exchange ideas and support the scale and spread of digital health innovations…
Digital solutions in care homes
HI NENC has supported the accelerated use of digital solutions in care homes since 2017, with the aim of transforming patient care across the North East and North Cumbria. To date, we’ve helped make digital solutions available to over 280…
Digital Inclusion Forum
HI NENC identified a need to bring together people from across sectors to explore digital inclusion, the challenges to overcome, and identify best practice opportunities that could be shared across the region. As a result of this, HI NENC held…