Participants of the Digital Health Networks mentoring programme praised the impact of the program at a workshop during the first day of Summer Schools 2024. They encouraged others to apply for the upcoming cohort.
Launched in October 2023, the mentoring programme provides support to digital leaders in CCIO, CIO, or CNIO roles, aiding in their personal growth and development.
Virtual mentoring sessions were conducted by the Networks CCIO, CIO, and CNIO Advisory Panel members over a six-month period starting in January 2024.
During the Summer Schools workshop on 17 July 2024, mentor-mentee pairs shared their experiences with the program.
Misbah Mahmood, deputy chief midwifery information officer at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, initially hesitated about being a mentor but found it beneficial.
Caroline Palmer, clinical lead at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, described Mahmood as a great networker and credited her with helping to combat feelings of isolation.
Euan McComiskie, health informatics lead at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, mentored Bobbie Phippin, lead clinical safety officer at the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, highlighting the value of feedback and learning in both roles.
Dr Ali, clinical advisor at NHS England, emphasized the importance of respectful relationships in mentoring and expressed joy in witnessing mentees evolve.
Barry Frostick, chief digital and information officer at Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership, commended the support provided by advisory panels and peers, with Lauren Hoodless, head of networks at Digital Health, being instrumental in driving the program forward.
Jon Hoeksma, chief executive of Digital Health, announced that applications for the next cohort of the mentorship programme will open in 2024, pending feedback from current participants.
The Digital Health Summer Schools event took place at Durham University from 17-19 July 2024, with the winners of the Digital Health Networks Awards being revealed on the first day.
