BMJ Future Health 6-7 November
Shuri members attended the BMJ Future Health Conference in London in November and participated in discussions about digital advances, how technology affects the relationship between patients and professionals, the regulation of digital products and examples of best practice. BMJ Future Health also offers webinars, podcasts, live events and a global community, connecting healthcare professionals and innovators to tackle real-world problems and drive change.
Reflections from our members:
Dr Fungai Nembaware:
I found the Conference very insightful with discussions around the NHS 10-Year Plan and the role of digital health. It was particularly interesting to explore how infrastructure, systems, and intersectionality all play a part in delivering efficient digital health solutions across different NHS Trusts and how this, in turn, impacts clinicians.
Burnout among healthcare professionals is a very real challenge, which is why my passion is to improve digital literacy for nurses and frontline staff. It was reinforced that by empowering the workforce with the right digital skills, we can drive meaningful, sustainable change across the health system.
Dr Aiswarya Gopi:
The BMJ Future Health event was a truly unique opportunity to engage in interesting conversations around the latest advancements in healthcare – including AI scribes, patient experiences, obstacles to ‘digitisation’ and more!
The closed door strategy meeting around the role of a CCIO and discussions around some of the challenges they face was a great opportunity for me, a front-line clinician, to understand the inner workings behind the scenes. We had a wide variety of professionals present who were able to give insights from different points of view and contribute to a stimulating discussion during the workshop.
One of my favourite talks was from Day 1 of the event – ‘Embracing Innovation From Day One: How Can Early Year Clinicians Get Involved In Innovation Projects?’ by Dr Meenakshi Jhala and Dr Avi Mehra. An inspiring talk from two inspiring individuals who have built a vast and varied career for themselves in different ways from day one of the clinical careers.
Dr Shani Bhaskaran:
Thanks for the wonderful opportunity of attending the BMJ Future Health conference.
It was an enjoyable day and I gained valuable insights which broadened my knowledge of the tech space in healthcare, of AI in existence and enhancing healthcare – including aiding consultations, addressing health inequalities and for bridging communications with positive outcomes and scope for more. I found the discussions (by way of audience participation and fireside chats) around AI in healthcare with emphasis on humanity, ethics, clinical bias, consent, patient safety, digital inclusion and potential/future ‘AI healthcare jobs’ to be most intriguing.
By the end of the day I felt more informed and empowered to be a part of this field and to consider seeking employment in specific areas within AI/tech in healthcare and participate in shaping it as opposed to being passively shaped by it. I’m excited to see how we improve patient care and health in partnership with tech and AI whilst being mindful of other considerations.
The networking opportunities were ample and led to some good conversations and exchange of contact details which was great. It was great venue for learning and interaction fuelled by a never ending supply of drinks and foods with chocolates and pop corn being my favourites.
Best practices in information governance for digital health and social care
IGS and Shuri Network lunchtime webinar 22 October
Thank you Ekin Gur, Vitoria Saito and Taj Salamuddin from the IGS team and Di Bullman from our Steering Group for leading an excellent webinar on information governance and best practices for digital health and care professionals, including subjects such as: Subject Access Requests and the importance of good record-keeping and information handling.
IBM hosts the Shuri Network, 17 October 2025
The digital front door, NHS App and AI are central components of the NHS 10-Year Plan. How will this be delivered successfully and reduce health inequalities? This exclusive event for Shuri Network members in October showcased digital innovation including robotics and AI and leading digital change with a mixture of inspiring and thought-provoking presentations, workshops and panel discussions with our members and seasoned senior leaders from IBM, the NHS and the Kings Fund. A huge thank you to the fantastic team at IBM, our planning group, speakers and all our guests.
We are very grateful to our members Dhara Thacker and Sonsue Makpu-Felix for their contribution to designing and delivering a successful and memorable day.
“I’m feeling supercharged after an inspiring day reimagining healthcare with the Shuri Network x IBM!
I’m coming away even more excited about the work my team and I are doing to shape the future of healthcare through digital innovation — from digital therapeutics to AI-driven solutions — with a strong focus on safe, effective deployment of high-impact technologies.” Anne Oyewole, Shuri member
Shuri members’ success at the Zenith Global Health Awards, 4 October 2025
Our members Tayo Iloh and Shilpi Sinha have been recognised in the 2025 Zenith Global Health Awards which took place on the 4th of October in London. In an era marked by unprecedented global health challenges and profound disparities, the imperative to reimagine and reconstruct our health systems has never been more urgent. We celebrate the impact our members are having to advance the shared pursuit of equity, innovation, and resilience in global health.
The Shuri Network at HETT London, 7-8 October
We were delighted to be part of the HETT Show in London from the 7-8th October: Innovation That Transforms Patient Outcomes! Our brilliant members and team created a huge buzz at our stand, led by Di Bullman. Our Chair Dr Shera Chok also hosted an exclusive roundtable on Identifying and Growing the Digital Talent Pipeline to Deliver the NHS 10-Year Plan with senior digital and healthcare leaders including Ming Tang, Sonia Patel, Dame Donna Kinnair and James Freed on Day 1. On Day 2 our Steering Group member Eddie Olla led a workshop on the risks and opportunities of the NHS 10-year plan on health inequalities and the link to digital innovation.
Many thanks to the brilliant HETT team for your support !
National BAME Health and Care Awards September 2025
The Network celebrated diversity and success at the NATIONAL B.A.M.E HEALTH AND CARE AWARDS with our members Dr. Hellena Habte-Asres & ally James Freed who both won awards as well as finalists Mayflor Bernal, Dian Bates, MaryAnn Ferreux, Evonne Hunt and many more brilliant role models in healthcare, leadership and equity. The summit and awards highlighted the achievements of BAME staff and brought people together from across the country. Thank you to the organising team and Chair, Wendy Olayiwola for all that you do.
Shuri Chair Recognised in the Global Women in Healthcare Awards 2025
Our Chair, Dr Shera Chok was the runner up in the Health Tech category of the Global Women in Healthcare Awards in June 2025 at the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh. The Award honours her pioneering work in promoting diversity in digital health and empowering women from diverse ethnic groups to lead and innovate, advancing more inclusive, equitable, and patient-centred digital healthcare across the UK.
Shuri Alumni Attends:
Reflections from HPN Midlands June 2025 – Chiamaka P. Ojiako:
The HPN Midlands 2025 event brought health leaders, practitioners, and partners together for two days to discuss and share their knowledge, insights, and experiences on the evolving role of AI and digital transformation in the healthcare sector.
It was a privilege to attend on behalf of the Shuri Network and energising to connect with alumni, one of our steering board members Eddie Olla, and others who have been positively impacted by the Network’s work. I was encouraged to see a visible increase in representation and sessions that embedded equity and inclusion in the conversations.
Day 1 – Key Messages:
- While the return on investment for AI remains uncertain, there was clear optimism about its potential to ease operation burdens, retain the workforce and optimise productivity. People are ready to embrace interventions that make their work easier and help them leave on time. Yet, the challenge lies in balancing strategic vision with tactical execution.
- The best digital solutions will fail in the absence of culture and mindset shifts, hence the growing emphasis on upskilling, co-production, and inclusive design.
- As Trusts navigate governance, safety, and cost implications, they are also becoming more tactical by embracing collaborative approaches that foster shared learning, rapid iteration, and economies of scale.
- The NHS is driving digital transformation and innovation in the face of uncertainty and ambiguity and clarity of mission is essential for leading through change.
- Innovation and transformation don’t happen in a vacuum. Engagement and co-production are non-negotiable and should be two-way and early to be meaningful and impactful.
Day 2 – Key Messages:
- Equity should not be treated as a layer in leveraging technology, but as a lens that guides how it is designed, implemented, and evaluated
- There is a tension between digital-first strategies and the enduring need for traditional services. People who prefer analogue models or who are locked out of digital due to systemic barriers need to be brought along, not left behind.
- Data underpins digital transformation and the several data programs including the FDP, Health Data Research Service, Single Patient Record, present great opportunities to unlock insights that will shape the future of healthcare
I’m grateful to the Shuri Network for the platform, the kinship, and the bold vision that continues to empower women to grow and progress to leadership positions.
Change is inevitable, and digital transformation requires courage. To increase diversity and representation in digital and data leadership, we must keep evolving, learning, and equipping ourselves as both a resource and a solutions provider. As we continue investing in ourselves as credible, capable, and solutions-focused professionals, our presence in leadership becomes indispensable not as a gesture of inclusion, but as a strategic necessity.
Reflections from the 2025 NHS Strategy Summit 26 June 2025 – Tayo Iloh and Agnes Traore:
The 2025 NHS Strategy Summit, hosted by Meet Health Events, brought together leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the health system for a day of deep thinking, honest dialogue, and shared ambition. Among the attendees were members of the Shuri Network, whose presence added energy, insight, and a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusive leadership in shaping the future of health and care.
Held just ahead of the NHS 10-Year Plan release, the summit was perfectly timed to spark strategic alignment and system-wide momentum. From the opening breakfast to the final scoop of ice cream, the day was thoughtfully organised to balance inspiration with action.
One of the most talked-about sessions focused on elective recovery, an issue that continues to define the NHS’s operational and strategic landscape. The panel-led discussion unpacked the scale of the challenge, with 6.2 million people on the waiting list, 64% still waiting for a first attendance, and the opportunity to do things differently.
Key reflections included:
- “The least effective intervention is one delayed.”
- Validation matters – many people on waiting lists shouldn’t be there.
- We must look at the front log, not just the backlog.
- Traditional outpatient models often disadvantage those from lower socioeconomic groups. Data and tech must be used to close, not widen, the equity gap.
- Surgical hubs and Community Diagnostic Centres are promising, but co-located infrastructure is key to unlocking their full potential.
Later, Sir Jim Mackey offered a candid and forward-looking keynote. He called for better data quality, smarter commissioning, and a digital-first mindset. His message was clear: if staff sickness returned to 2019 levels, much of the elective backlog would disappear. That’s not just a statistic; it’s a call to action.
Another speaker reminded us that medicines are the most common and evidence-based clinical intervention, yet 10% of spend is wasted. His challenge to the system: rethink how we use medicines across care settings and be honest with the public about trade-offs and priorities.
The final panel tackled digital innovation, future planning, and financial realities. The message? “If we keep doing what we’ve done for the last 10 years, we’re going to fail.” The panel explored how micro-innovation, hyperlocal leadership, and a willingness to take smart risks can drive meaningful change.
Throughout the day, the presence of Shuri Network members was a powerful reminder of the value of diverse voices in shaping strategy. Their contributions, whether on roundtables or informal conversations helped ground the day’s discussions in lived experience and practical wisdom.
One attendee, Agnes Traore, shared this reflection:
“Attending the NHS Strategy Summit 2025 was a truly eye-opening experience for me. It provided valuable insight into the organisational vision of the NHS and how that vision can be taken forward in practical ways. Although the summit was primarily aimed at senior leaders, I found it refreshing and encouraging to hear panel members emphasise the importance of including diverse voices in shaping strategy. This diversity extended not only to different backgrounds but also across the spectrum of NHS bandings, highlighting that every perspective matters.
What stood out most to me was how welcoming the environment felt. Networking (which I usually find quite daunting) was surprisingly easier because people recognised the Shuri name. That recognition helped break the ice and made connecting with others much more natural. Overall, the summit boosted my confidence and motivation to contribute actively to the future direction of the NHS, knowing that my voice and experience are valued.”
A big thank you to Meet Health Events for creating such a thoughtful, energising, and inclusive space. From the strategic sessions to the innovation showcase (and yes, the ice cream cart), every detail was intentional and appreciated.
So, here’s to the work ahead. And to doing it together.
Reflections from the Midlands Early Careers GP Conference, Loughborough: 26 June 2025
Sherraine Harris and Lisa Salmon:
We had the opportunity to present a workshop at the Early GP Career Conference, discussing our journey into digital transformation. It was a fantastic opportunity to share our experience of the Shuri Digital Fellowship. We spoke about the digitisation of health and social care and our own ‘early steps’ into the digital healthcare arena. And highlighted the importance of representation in digital health and senior leadership roles.
It was inspiring to connect with peers who are equally inquisitive about shaping the future through innovation. The discussions that followed were both encouraging and thought-provoking, and it reinforced how crucial it is to keep digital transformation grounded in the grass roots of what we do to maintain safe and effective patient care, to improve positive health outcomes, ensure that access to healthcare is equitable and with leadership that is inclusive.
Shuri Cohort 4 Digital Fellows Graduate: 14 May 2025
Shuri Network in the North Day: 22 May 2025
Our first members’ event for 2025 was at the University of Bradford’s Centre for Digital Innovations in Health and Social Care (CDIHSC). Hosted by Professor Rebecca Randell, Professor of Digital Innovations in Healthcare, and her team, this exclusive event for Shuri members highlighted the work of the CDIHSC, international perspectives on innovation and health research and opportunities in research into health and care technology. The event also included networking with Shuri members, CDIHSC staff and renowned speakers, including:
- Professor Rebecca Randell, CDIHSC Centre Director
- Professor Udy Archibong, Pro Vice Chancellor, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
- Dr Shera Chok, Shuri Network Chair
- Light Chibuzor Caleb, Shuri Network Fellow and Senior Occupational Therapist
- Christian Gradhandt Nøhr (Denmark)
- Craig Kuziemsky (Canada)
- Peter Elkin (USA)
- University of Bradford PhD students
Shuri Chair awarded Trailblazer (Highly Commended) Award, March 2025
Our Chair, Dr Shera Chok was awarded the Trailblazer Award (Highly Commended) at the Black Professionals in Life Sciences (BPLS) Awards in London. She was nominated by several of our members and digital fellows and received the award from the founders of BPLS, Amina Yesufu-Udechuku, PhD and John Eribo, and judge Neil Flash.
Shuri Network at Rewired 2025
Shuri Network volunteers and guests at Rewired 25
We had a fantastic two days at Rewired 25 in Birmingham. It was amazing to meet so many Shuri members and to welcome all the new members who signed up during the conference.
Congratulations to Funke Abobade, winner of our prize draw for anyone joining the Network during the conference!
We featured our new Shuri Digital Notebook – which you can download and use for free – designed specially for Shuri members by Shereen Bryan, an alumna of our Digital Fellowship.
Our fabulous banner and leaflets were designed by Jessie Dhaliwal (Shuri cohort 2 Digital Fellow) @DhaliDesigns. We also showed off our new Shuri t-shirts and bags, sponsored by Apira.
Hunter Healthcare Hosts Shuri Fellows
2025 got off to a brilliant start with an all-day event for our Digital Fellows hosted by the renowned resourcing and recruitment specialists, Hunter Healthcare. This was an exceptional experience with practical workshops on digital careers and job applications, how to position ourselves and overcome barriers to succeed in DDaT roles and talks by esteemed speakers including Lisa Emery, Dame Neslyn Watson-Druee, Abi Olapade, Patience Chinwadzimba and Eddie Olla.
“This fellowship is more than just a program; it’s a movement shaping the future of digital health. I’m so proud to be part of this journey, and I look forward to what’s ahead!” Shuri Fellow 2024/25