Flying the HEIW flag at Rewired 2024

On Wednesday 13th March Ellen Edwards, Digital Transformation Research and Engagement Lead at Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) presented the Digital Capability Framework at the Rewired Digital Health Conference, hosted at the Birmingham NEC.

Rewired is a national conference for the digital health community. Organised by the digital health network, thousands of digital health professionals both clinical and non-clinical, attend for 2 days of learning and development. The 2024 conference consisted of over 300 speakers, across more than 100 sessions on 11 stages, covering Digital Transformation; Digital Nursing and Midwifery; Integrated care; smart health; Digital leadership and teams; cyber security; AI (Artificial Intelligence), data, and analytics; best practice showcase; Digital AHP (Allied Health Professionals) and Pharmacy; Patient Engagement and Innovation. As well as showcasing the best of the previous years’ digital health case studies and panels, the exhibition of start-ups and suppliers offers attendees the opportunity to see what is on the horizon in the world of digital health.

Previously dominated by the English digital health system, the devolved countries are starting to demonstrate how they are paving the way in digital health. With presentations from Helen Thomas; CEO, DHCW (Digital Health and Care Wales) Dylan Roberts; CDIO, BCUHB, Alun Kime; Cyber Security contacts manager, DHCW and Rhian Hamer; Digital transformation director, NHS Wales and Ellen Edwards, Digital Transformation Research and Engagement Lead, HEIW (Health Education and Improvement Wales), Wales was strongly representing.

Presenting the Digital Capability Framework on the Best Practice Showcase Stage was a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the commitment HEIW have to developing a digitally ready workforce and the proactive steps that are being taken to support staff to self-evaluate their digital capabilities and develop themselves further. It is really important that Wales have a voice in this area, and this can only be done by actively engaging in networks like Digital Health. Attending conferences like this, even as a delegate opens the door to important networking opportunities and professional relationships. Let's show the UK what Wales has to offer.