Professor George Crooks OBE, head of DHI (Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre), is advocating for the integration of digital technology to revolutionize Scotland’s health and social care system.
Professor Crooks is leading the charge at DHI and is pushing for a substantial overhaul of the country’s care approach in response to increasing demand for services. Speaking to Digital Health, he emphasized the need for a shift towards digital solutions to address the evolving needs of the public and build trust in a future where technology plays a prominent role in healthcare.
Funding to Fuel Digital Transformation
DHI, as part of the Scottish Funding Council’s Innovation Centre Programme, has secured £2 million annually for the next decade to support its new 10-year strategy. This funding will enable DHI to focus on transforming health and social care, developing digital infrastructure, enhancing Scotland’s innovation ecosystem, and preparing the workforce for a tech-driven future.
Professor Crooks highlighted Scotland’s potential to lead the way in digitally enabled healthcare and emphasized the economic benefits and improved quality of life that this investment could yield for the country.
DHI, in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art, has been at the forefront of digital advancements, spearheading initiatives such as response to the covid-19 pandemic, establishment of rural centers of excellence, and attracting substantial investment for health innovation projects in Scotland.
Embracing Change Through Technology
Professor Crooks stressed the importance of utilizing digital technology wisely and with a focus on long-term benefits. He emphasized the need for user-centered design and collaboration among stakeholders to drive innovation in healthcare delivery and create economic opportunities.
The vision of DHI includes a data cloud system that records individuals’ health needs, enabling targeted care and predictive capabilities to prevent urgent care needs. This innovative approach aims to enhance the quality of healthcare services in Scotland.
Helen Cross, director of research and innovation at the Scottish Funding Council, expressed support for DHI’s innovative efforts and commitment to improving the health and well-being of people in Scotland through sustainable economic growth.
