2020 has been a productive year to say the least for most NHS CIOs with digital at the forefront of the nation’s response to the pandemic. In our latest Rewired blog interview Lisa Emery, CIO at The Royal Marsden, chair of the London CIO Council and a member of the Digital Health CIO Network Advisory Panel says that momentum around digital must not be lost going into 2021.
What’s life been like as an NHS CIO working through the pandemic?
It’s been hectic to say the least! Working closely with our clinical and operational teams, we have focused on stabilising systems, scaling up working from home and accelerating infrastructure projects to support the massive uptake in use of onsite and remote digital tools.
What is your current digital focus at The Royal Marsden?
We currently have a huge focus on completing the work on our Digital Workplace programme. This includes replacement of wired and wireless networks, new devices, completion of migration to Office 365 and unified communications. We are also standing back up strategic programmes of work including a new EPR, diagnostics systems and research and informatics solutions.
What role has the London CIO Council, a Rewired 2021 official partner, played in supporting the NHS through the pandemic?
We are now back up and running with our usual meeting schedule, albeit virtually, but network members were in regular contact with each other as events unfolded from spring. We have been sharing learning and best practice, which really demonstrates the value of these regional and national networks.
What would be the best piece of advice you could give to future digital leaders right now?
I would say stay tapped in daily to the operational needs of your staff and patients, strap on your tin hat and keep your networks alive for support and to gain great ideas.
What are your aspirations and hopes for digital in 2021?
For 2021, I hope that we maintain the momentum that we have gained from the amazing work that has been done at pace, and build on this for the future.
What are you most looking forward to at Rewired 2021?
I am really looking forward to sharing experiences with my peers, and of course some great content from the UK and beyond.
The London CIO Council partners with Digital Health Rewired for the third year in a row. Why did you sign up again for 2021?
We feel that Rewired 2021 offers a great opportunity for our members to combine our regular meeting with the buzz and networking opportunities of the conference. It also provides the opportunity to tap in directly to keynote speakers and influential figures from both the NHS and suppliers.
Get your ticket for Digital Health Rewired 2021 to join the must-attend virtual festival celebrating the best of digital health and care, taking place across 15-19 March 2021.
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