Daniel Hallen , Regional Head of Digital Technology , Digital Urgent & Emergency Care Lead ( North West ), tells us about innovation in the NHS
NHS ENGLAND AND NHS IMPROVEMENT
Daniel Hallen , Regional Head of Digital Technology , Digital Urgent & Emergency Care Lead ( North West ), tells us about innovation in the NHS
Daniel Hallen , Regional Head of Digital Technology , Digital Urgent & Emergency Care Lead ( North West ), has one of the most complex jobs in UK healthcare . As the NHS faces huge demand under unprecedented conditions , Hallen has overseen the development of a capsule digital-first strategy covering the North West of England , which the NHS is now rolling out nationally .
Working with an interconnected team linking neighbouring regions in the North West , the system provides a conduit for a major digital transformation programme , tailored to differing local needs .
Each area presents different challenges for the same systems – what ’ s appropriate in low-density rural Cumbria won ' t work in high demand city centre hospitals with specialist wards in Manchester or Liverpool .
Hallen says he ' s proud of the legacy the North West has in terms of digital advances . Recently they launched the 111-First service , which aims to cut down A & E visits by improving patient access to referrals . The service encourages patients with an urgent medical need to contact NHS 111 either online or via telephone before attending A & E . It ’ s been highly successful - Hallen states that between 70 and 80 per cent of patients who contact 111 first are finding that speaking to a doctor or pharmacist is more appropriate than attending A & E .
404 April 2021