Breaking Barriers: Women Leading Digital Healthcare
Improving Healthcare with Technology
At Southport & Formby Primary Care Network, women are leading the way in making healthcare better using technology. The Primary Care Network (PCN) Digital Teams are both led by women. These teams help GP surgeries to work more smoothly, and help patients get the right care sooner. Their work makes healthcare more efficient, accessible, and patient-friendly.
The Challenge
The number of older people in the UK, and the number of people with long-term health problems, is growing. GP surgeries are busier than ever, and working harder than ever to support everyone. Managing patient data, and helping patients to get the services they need, can be difficult. The challenge was to use digital solutions to make access to healthcare easier for patients, and more efficient for doctors, nurses and staff.
How Women Are Leading Change
Under the leadership of Susan Rhodes and Cath Hampton, the PCN Digital Teams have created new digital solutions to solve these problems. Their work includes:
- Making Appointments Easier – new digital systems help to link up different health care services, so that patients get seen faster and by the right healthcare professional.
- Supporting GP Surgeries – using digital solutions so that doctors can spend more time helping patients.
- Pro-active care for health conditions – the Digital Transformation Team find patients who have certain health conditions, and offers them check-ups before they need to ask.
- Introducing New Technology – the team is testing new technology to improve how patients move through care services.
By making these changes, patients and healthcare workers benefit from a smoother, more effective system.
The Impact
- Better Patient Care – it is easier for patients to get the help they need, when they need it.
- Less Pressure on GP Surgeries – more efficient digital systems help doctors and nurses focus on care.
- Faster Access to Services – People wait less time to see the right healthcare professional.
- Women Leading the Way – This work shows how women are breaking barriers in digital healthcare.
What Our Leaders Say
“The Digital Clinical Hub has been a success for GP surgeries across our PCN, we have been encouraged and supported all the way by our Clinical Leaders Dr Amar Patel and Dr Lindsay McClelland, who are an inspiration to us all.” – Susan Rhodes, Digital Transformation Team Lead
What’s Next?
The team is continuing to innovate, with plans to:
- Use new technology to further improve healthcare services.
- Create new data-driven projects to help people stay healthier for longer.
- Bring in even better digital tools to make access to care quicker and easier.
Women at Southport & Formby Primary Care Network are accelerating action by leading digital change, improving healthcare, and making a real difference for patients and GP practices alike.