Despite the low temperatures and travel disruption it was great to see so many of our members in one room this week.

DHC members met with Wes Streeting’s senior adviser, Paul Corrigan.

Paul brings extensive sector experience into the Department of Health and Social Care and is working on policy to support the government to deliver better health services.

Paul understands the challenges in the NHS and social care very well and he was keen to hear about our members’ experiences.

It was clear that he is also focused on delivery, not just discussion of the problems at hand.

He invited ideas and input, something our members have in abundance.

It was a fascinating and lively discussion that covered the excellent work our members are doing today in the digital health and care sector, as well as the challenges providers face in partnering with the NHS.

A number of key themes came up during the meeting – for example procurement and contracting (what should be done nationally, what should be done regionally, what should be done locally), lack of clarity about which bits of the NHS ‘own’ digital, technology and innovation, partnership working and the challenges of engaging staff and patients in change.

The DHC will now work with members to feed into the Government’s consultation, provide briefings to Government, and we’ll secure another meeting with senior health and care leaders before the 10-year Health Plan is published in spring 2025.

Echoing the sentiment in the room, there is much work to be done but meaningful change is needed and quickly.

Digital health and care providers are ready to respond. They believe it is possible to solve the challenges facing the system and are hopeful we can make things work better.

And the DHC will continue to give them a voice.