Sam Neville Joins Highland Marketing Advisory Board: A Step Towards Digital Health Innovation

Sam Neville: Championing Digital Transformation in Nursing

In an exciting development for the health tech industry, Sam Neville, a seasoned chief nursing information officer, is set to join the Highland Marketing advisory board. With over three decades of experience in nursing, Neville brings a wealth of expertise and a passionate commitment to improving healthcare through technology.

Currently serving as the associate director of clinical applications and CNIO at the Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, Neville has been instrumental in advancing the role of digital solutions in patient care. Her journey in nursing began at Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital, where she developed a keen interest in surgery. Over the years, she has held numerous leadership positions, culminating in her focus on clinical informatics, where she advocates for integrating IT systems that work effectively for healthcare providers.

Bridging Nursing Expertise and Digital Innovation

Sam strongly believes in the potential of digital health tools to enhance the quality of care. During her tenure, she successfully launched the e-NEWS scoring system, demonstrating how visibility into patient data can empower clinical teams to make informed decisions. “I am still a registered nurse, but I am using that to make sure IT works for nurses and midwives,” Sam stated, underscoring her unique approach to merging clinical practice with digital advancements.

This dual role positions Neville as an integral link between nursing professionals and tech developers, a perspective that is crucial as the NHS looks to future-proof its digital landscape. “We need to ensure that new technologies are user-friendly and equip our nursing workforce with the skills they need,” she adds, reflecting on the evolving expectations of modern nurses.

The Importance of Nursing Perspectives in Digital Health

Mark Venables, CEO of Highland Marketing, emphasizes the significance of incorporating nursing insights in discussions about digital health. With nurses constituting almost a third of the NHS workforce, their perspectives are invaluable when planning and implementing IT solutions. “Sam will bring that perspective to the advisory board’s discussions, providing vital insights for our clients in health and medtech,” said Venables.

Neville’s upcoming role signifies a proactive step towards a more integrated approach where nursing experiences shape the development of health technologies. Her involvement will help ensure that the digital tools being developed are not only effective but also aligned with the day-to-day realities faced by nursing professionals.

Preparing for the Future of Nursing and Digital Health

Though her work with the Phillips-Ives Review remains unpublished, Neville argues that the conclusions drawn should guide the digital components of the forthcoming 10 Year Health Plan. She points out that misconceptions about nurses' digital literacy persist, even as a new generation of tech-savvy nurses enters the field. “We have many nurses who are ready and willing to engage with technology in ways that enhance patient care,” she asserted. This shift is pivotal in ensuring that healthcare systems evolve in tandem with the capabilities of their workforce.

Through her membership on the advisory board, Neville aims to foster dialogue and collaboration amongst a diverse group of health tech experts, further highlighting the need for shared learning across disciplines. Her mission aligns with the larger aim of digital transformation in healthcare, where every stakeholder, especially nurses, plays a critical role.