Shifting the NHS from an analogue system to a digital one is the first of three significant shifts that the government wants to achieve for the health service under its future 10-year plan for England.
Likewise, the Welsh Government’s current long-term plan for health and social care promotes using technology to support high quality, sustainable services.
Similar ambitions have been highlighted by national health and social care bodies for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
All of which means that positive change may finally be coming when it comes to digital technology and our health and care services.
Although long talked about, NHS discussions on digital technology seem to be finally shifting away from negative ones about pagers and fax machines to positive ones on apps and AI innovations.
As the largest part of the clinical workforce, nursing and midwifery needs to not only be part of those conversations but also leading them.
That is why we created Nursing Times Digital Nursing in 2024 and that is why, after a dynamic debut, this exciting event is returning later this year, in partnership with our friends at Future Nurse.
Once again, we’ll explore how and where nurses and midwives are leading digital innovation and making technology work for their patients in real-world settings.
Through expert panels, workshops and case studies, delegates will share how digital solutions are solving key challenges and delivering lasting impact across all health and care environments.
Meanwhile, returning to the stage this year are champions of digital technology Future Nurse chief executive and founder Professor Natasha Phillips, and chief nursing officer for Wales Sue Tranka.
Among those also joining us are Fran Beadle, chief nursing information officer at Digital Health and Care Wales, and Helen Balsdon, national chief nursing information officer at NHS England.
Plus, among many others great speakers, you will hear from influential trust nurse leader Professor Steve Hams, chief nursing and improvement officer for North Bristol NHS Group.
Highlighting the need to prepare the next generation, Matthew Wynn, senior lecturer at Liverpool John Moore’s University, will discuss his work to build a consensus on digital nursing education.
So don’t miss out. Join us at the Kia Oval in London for Nursing Times Digital Nursing on 24 September 2025. The deadline for applications is 4 July.
In the meantime, keep up to date with all the news and views about digital technology in nursing by visiting the Digital and Technology page on the Nursing Times website.
There, you will also find clinical content on how technology is supporting practice and articles by Nursing Times Awards winners who are keen to share their ideas with the rest of the profession.
Likewise, if you are leading the development or introduction of a digital innovation that is making a difference to a staffing or workforce challenge, then make sure you get the recognition you deserve.
There is still time to enter the Best Use of Workplace Technology category at this year’s Nursing Times Workforce Awards.
