Live Event

The Great Public Sector Makeover: AI’s Answer to Systemic Challenges

The UK’s public sector is under increasing pressure to modernise and deliver better societal outcomes.

In this exclusive session, an expert panel hosted in partnership with Agilisys, will explore how AI can address deep-rooted challenges and redefine the future of public service delivery. Agilisys, a leader in digital transformation for the UK public sector, brings together decades of experience in driving technological innovation to help organisations adapt and thrive.

The session will feature insights from:

• Andrew Mindenhall, CEO of Agilisys

• Mark Thompson, Professor in Digital Economy at the University of Exeter

• Darius Toomer, Head of Agilisys Transform

• Kenneth Corrêa, Author of Cognitive Organisations

Save the date:
🗓️ Date: 25th November 2024 (Monday)
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM BST
👉 Register here

Government Policy

Regulatory Innovation Office to Accelerate Tech Access and Economic Growth

The UK government has launched the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) to expedite public access to new technologies by reducing regulatory barriers. This initiative aims to foster economic growth by supporting sectors like AI in healthcare, engineering biology, and autonomous technology. The RIO will collaborate with regulators to streamline approvals and ensure cohesive regulatory practices.

The RIO's establishment aligns with the government's commitment to innovation and economic expansion, particularly as the UK prepares to host the International Investment Summit. By addressing regulatory challenges, the RIO seeks to enhance the UK's competitiveness in the global market, encouraging private sector investment and ensuring that cutting-edge technologies reach the public swiftly and safely.

Healthcare Policy

NHS England to Oversee Patient Data Sharing for Research Purposes

NHS England will assume responsibility for sharing patient records for research, easing the burden on GPs. This move aims to enhance studies like UK Biobank and Genomics England by providing de-identified data, ensuring high standards of data security and patient consent. The Government plans a 10-year strategy for a unified patient record accessible across the NHS.

The initiative seeks to improve research potential and healthcare outcomes by allowing approved researchers access to coded data. This change addresses the challenge of data sharing, ensuring patient consent is respected. The approach balances participant wishes, GP liability, and research needs, with ongoing collaboration to maintain public trust and data security.

Healthcare Investment Analysis

Investing in Prevention Could Deliver an 11bn Return

Investing in prevention could yield an £11bn annual return, as per an NHS Confederation report. Redirecting existing funds within the system is suggested to achieve this. The report, in collaboration with Carnall Farrar, analysed 146 interventions across various settings, highlighting community-based initiatives like housing improvements and smoking prevention as top ROI contributors.

The top five interventions include adapting homes to prevent falls (£34.80 ROI per £1 spent) and training healthcare professionals (£23.70 ROI). The NHS Confederation's chief executive, Matthew Taylor, emphasises the need for long-term investment in prevention to benefit both public health and the economy. He advocates for cross-government collaboration, noting that only 20% of health is determined by healthcare, with the rest influenced by broader determinants.

Health Technology

Fourth Industrial Revolution's Impact on NHS Healthcare Transformation

Dr Vin Diwaker, NHS England's national director of transformation, likened the HETT conference to the Lunar Society, emphasising its potential to drive the fourth industrial revolution in healthcare. Technologies like AI and gene editing are poised to transform healthcare by integrating physical, digital, and biological realms. However, challenges persist, including funding constraints and an ageing population with complex health needs.

Wes Streeting, the new health and social care secretary, highlighted the need for a shift from analogue to digital, hospital to community care, and treatment to prevention. Dermot Ryan stressed optimising existing IT infrastructure to enhance digital maturity. The HETT exhibition showcased innovations, fostering connections and discussions on improving NHS efficiency. Shane Tickell urged immediate action, drawing on the NHS's rapid pandemic response as a model for change.