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We are delighted to have been shortlisted in three categories at the HSJ Digital Awards 2026, in recognition for its pioneering digital solutions that are shaping the future of healthcare, it was announced today (Monday 26 January).

 

The shortlisted entries include our Child Health Information Service (CHIS) Automation Blueprint project which has been shortlisted for two categories ‘Improving back-office efficiencies through digital’ and ‘Unlocking productivity and efficiency with digital’.

 

Faced with the challenge of removing attachments from over 700,000 historic child health records, a manual approach would have taken an estimated 15 years and 6 months at a cost of £1.1 million. By implementing robotic process automation (RPA), the Digital First team reduced delivery time to just 28 months, achieving significant cost savings while freeing up staff capacity for patient-facing and higher-value work.

 

In addition, our Digital First team has also been shortlisted for ‘Team of the Year’. The team has played a key role in delivering successful digital transformation across the trust and the wider system.

 

The team have brought together skills that are rarely found in one place, including experts in clinical systems, automation, data and analytics, and clinicians. Instead of acting as a traditional IT department, the team work side-by-side with clinicians, operational leaders and lived experience partners to understand the pressures and practicalities of providing care in the community. This pioneering model ensures patients and frontline staff now shape every digital solution HCT designs and delivers.

 

Elliot Howard-Jones, Chief Executive, said:

“We are honoured to be shortlisted for these prestigious awards in three categories. This recognition reflects the dedication of our Digital First team and their pioneering approach to digital advancements that make a real difference in patient care and the smooth running of our services; improving efficiencies and delivering excellent value for money.

“The CHIS automation project work directly aligns with NHSE priorities around digital productivity, workforce optimisation, and reducing administrative burden. The project sets a benchmark for how automation can unlock productivity, support safer care, and enable clinicians and staff to focus on what matters most - patients.

“While our Digital First team are a relatively new team, they have quickly become a leading force within our trust. Working collaboratively across the organisation, they have brought about significant changes which have enhanced care for our patients and made a positive difference to the working lives of our staff.”

 

The HSJ Digital Awards shine a light on teams and organisations driving meaningful change through technology, improving patient outcomes, streamlining processes, and enhancing the overall quality of care.

This year marks a milestone for the awards, with a record-breaking 468 entries submitted. Of which, 201 projects have been shortlisted, each demonstrating remarkable ingenuity, passion, and transformative impact in digital health. 

 

The winners will be revealed at the HSJ Digital Awards ceremony on 19 May 2026, a night dedicated to celebrating the brightest minds and most impactful projects in digital health. 

For more information about the HSJ Digital Awards, visit https://digitalawards.hsj.co.uk.