Connect Conference 2024
This week the 13th Annual North West Connect Conference, hosted by the NW Digital Skills Development Network (DSDN) returned to Blackpool for two excellent days of education and building links in the profession. The closing presentation from Carmel McConnell (change activist and the founder of Magic Breakfast) challenged delegates to take action. That simple message resonates though the NW DSDN which over 15 years has developed into the largest and most active DSDN in England. This growth, and the ability to attract hundreds of people to share their time and ideas, has emerged from a committed group who have taken action to build this network. It’s only a few years ago that HEE’s toolkit for building Skills Development Networks in all regions was published, with strong reference to the success seen in the North West. Everyone who has been involved in establishing, developing, and supporting the work of this passionate group should feel a shared sense of accomplishment. We need to continue to take action to sustain this community.
Looking forward, it’s exciting to think how the growth of the DSDNs, married with all the work being delivered to build DDaT as a profession within healthcare, will carry us forwards. From a clinical perspective it’s incredibly exciting to see how the willingness of different digital professionals to selflessly collaborate can drive improvements for patients even in financially challenged times. Stealing (as so many have done) from Kate Warriner and focussing on “Brilliant Basics” lets us focus on the core digital enablers; making the most of data to improve processes; and building resilience in systems and teams.
Finally, it’s impossible to close any reflections of Connect 2024 without considering the incredible patient speakers. The question of the conference was “Is System Working Working?” Whilst there are many examples of where we can start to see positive change, a moving presentation from the parents of a young child with complex needs reframed the question in my mind. There are many drivers towards system working – but perhaps we should have asked “Who is system working working for?”
No matter how challenging the finical or operating environment, patients and their families must always be at the centre of our decisions and their needs must drive our changes. System working is not yet working for all our patients, but listening to their stories and responding to their needs lets us see the way forward. Ensuring these voices are heard needs to be everyone’s job. I need to understand how we do this better in the ICS and would love to hear how other are doing this.
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