techUK responds to cuts on planned rollout of tech across the health service
Following the announcement that NHS staff pay rises will have a knock-on impact on plans to provide and improve tech and diagnostic capacity across the UK’s health service, techUK has issued a statement explaining why we cannot afford to see digital services as optional.
Julian David, techUK CEO:
“It is great to hear that our NHS staff will receive a much-needed pay rise – never has one been so plainly earned and well-deserved. However, it is disappointing to hear that this money will be raised from within existing programmes that are rolling out crucial services in tech and diagnostics across the health service.
“Digital transformation is not a ‘nice to have’ for our health service, but a fundamental pillar that we must have in place in order to tackle the challenges of an ageing population, an estimated elective care backlog of 6.5 million, and a social care sector facing serious staff shortages. Digital transformation creates much needed efficiencies for NHS staff, freeing up their time and resources for patient care, and enabling data sharing across systems that will allow the UK to adopt the population health approach set out by Government.
“It has never been more important to digitise and modernise the way the UK provides care, and we cannot afford to slow down now.”
We will be gathering case studies from members to illustrate the importance of continuing to rollout digital health technologies and diagnostics across the NHS.
Please get in touch with the team below if you would like to contribute.
Robert Walker
Robert Walker
Robert joined techUK in October 2022, where he is now Programme Manager for Health and Social Care.
Robert previously worked at the Pension Protection Fund, within the policy and public affairs team. Prior to this, he worked at the Scottish Parliament, advising politicians and industry stakeholders on a wide range of issues, including rural crime and health policies.
Robert has a degree in Politics and International Relations (MA Hons) from the University of Aberdeen, with a particular focus on strategic studies and energy security. Outside of work he enjoys activities such as running, rugby, boxing and cooking!
- Email:
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Viola Pastorino
Viola Pastorino
Viola Pastorino is a policy, governance, and strategic communication specialist.
She joined techUK as the Junior Programme Manager in the Health and Care Team in April 2024.
She has obtained a Bachelor of Sciences in Governance, Economics, and Development from Leiden University, and a Master's programme in Strategic Communications at King's College London. Her academic background, leading up to a dissertation on AI policy influence and hands-on campaign development, is complemented by practical experience in international PR and grassroots project management.
She is skilled in qualitative and quantitative analysis and comfortable communicating findings to varying stakeholders. Above all, she is deeply passionate about the intersection of technology and government, especially how technology and global discourse shape one another, the processes that lead to belief polarisation and radicalisation of communities, and crafting strategic narratives that steer public discourse.
Outside of work she loves reading, live music light operation, and diving.
Clara Hewitt
Clara Hewitt
Clara joined techUK in October 2023. She brings experience across a range of domestic and global health issues, with particular focus on digital health, HIV/AIDS and climate change and health.
Clara holds an MSc in Global Health and Development (University College London) and a BSc in Psychology (University of Birmingham).
