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Strategic Partnership with DNV Imatis
SmartCo Future Health and DNV Imatis announce Strategic Partnership. SmartCo Future Health and DNV Imatis are excited to announce a new strategic partnership aimed at improving operational efficiency across the UK healthcare system. SmartCo Future Health will serve as a dedicated delivery partner, working directly with healthcare providers to implement the DNV Imatis platform. SmartCo’s implementation service provides the skills and support needed to enhance user experience, boost productivity and realise the full benefits of the platform. Grounded in a shared vision of practical, people-centred digital transformation, this partnership brings together SmartCo’s proven expertise in NHS digital transformation and deep sector insight with DNV Imatis’ adaptable and innovative digital tools. Our aim is to help NHS Trusts deliver faster, more visible outcomes for both patients and staff. “I’m delighted to announce this exciting collaboration, which aligns SmartCo Future Health’s digital transformation expertise with the DNV Imatis digital health platform. Together our aim is to empower our healthcare professionals, releasing time to care, improving patient experience and increasing productivity.” Paul Gilliatt, Managing Director, SmartCo Future Health “Our goal is to help improve operational efficiency across the healthcare system. Together with SmartCo Future Health, we’re dedicated in supporting NHS Trusts with solutions that are designed for the complexity of real care environments, and built to scale across hospitals and regions.” Johan Folkunger, CEO, DNV Imatis About SmartCo Future Health SmartCo Future Health is an award-winning consultancy shaping the future of healthcare. We bring a best-in-class team and future-focused approach; empowering clients, programmes and partners. Together we can improve healthcare services and embrace digital innovation. Our partnership approach enables better clinical outcomes and enhanced patient experience. We are a people first business, prioritising employee well-being, flexible working and equal opportunities for all. About DNV Imatis DNV Imatis provides a vendor-neutral and scalable platform that supports more efficient healthcare operations. The modular ecosystem of lightweight applications adapts to existing, new or evolving workflows – within, between and across departments and units. By integrating with current EHRs, building systems and other infrastructure, DNV Imatis enables real-time data sharing that improves communication, clinical workflows, logistics, alarm and task management, bed and capacity management and patient flow. Whether coordinating outpatient visits, emergency admissions or routine treatment, the platform helps departments operate as one cohesive system. With full overview and seamless cross-departmental collaboration, DNV Imatis ensures that tasks are followed through and nothing is missed. DNV Imatis’ solutions support clinical and operational teams in managing care pathways, resources and capacity – more effectively and with less friction. Get In Touch If you’d like to know more about our strategic partnership and services then please contact us here.
Hannah Granshaw
23 June 2025
Reflections on the Spending Review
Opportunity, Complexity and the Road Ahead. The significant boost in funding for the NHS and the planned £10 billion investment in technology over the next three years is undoubtedly welcome. But as always, the devil is in the detail. A Step Forward. But What’s Behind the Headline? Additional investment in NHS technology is essential if we’re to meet the growing demand and modernise services. However, several important questions need answering before we can understand the real impact: 1. Is the £10 billion truly “new money”? It’s important to distinguish between fresh investment and the ongoing cost of maintaining existing digital infrastructure. The NHS’s foundational technology requires substantial support just to keep running, and that shouldn’t be underestimated. 2. What’s the strategy? In the previous Spending Review, we saw a clear direction: digitise the frontline, strengthen data infrastructure and expand citizen access through the NHS App – the “three big bets” championed by Tim Ferris. Broadly, this remains the right approach. But will this new investment follow that same path, or are priorities shifting? 3. New tools vs optimising what we have How much of this investment will go toward new, innovative technologies and how much toward optimising the systems already in place? Equally important is understanding the capital versus revenue split, and how much funding will go into people and skills, rather than technology. Often, the biggest gains come not from new tech, but from helping people use existing tools better. 4. National vs local investment There’s a balance to strike between national-level programmes and frontline innovation. In many cases, we can achieve more, faster, by investing at the local level, empowering teams who are closest to patients and challenges. 5. What about social care? Any meaningful transformation of health services must include social care. Investing in NHS technology without a system-wide view risks reinforcing silos. Health and care must evolve together, not in parallel. 6. The Single Patient Record. Vision or ambition? A health record, owned and controlled by the individual, is a powerful vision. But it will be one of the most technically and politically complex undertakings in our system. Building this from scratch is unrealistic. A better path is to evolve from the digital foundations we’ve already laid. Turning Policy into Progress Having experienced several Spending Reviews during my time in the NHS, I know that behind the scenes, many dedicated professionals are already working to translate policy into strategy, investment cases and programmes. But this takes time, especially in the midst of another major structural change to the NHS. What’s needed now is transparency, engagement and collaboration across sectors. Stakeholders at every level, from government departments to frontline staff, local leaders to innovators, should have a voice in shaping these plans. A Future Built on Collaboration Despite the complexity, I remain optimistic. Technology alone won’t solve our challenges, but when paired with the right investment in people and process, it can be transformative. At SmartCo Future Health, we’re proud to play our part in shaping the future of healthcare, working across health and care to turn this vision into reality. About Paul Paul works in partnership with healthcare organisations to deliver people- centred transformation that improves services for patients and staff. He has 25 years’ transformation experience, with 15 years leading national programmes and services in the NHS, including Frontline Digitisation. He is a graduate of the Major Projects Leadership Academy, a High-Risk Review Team Leader for the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority and a Mental Health First Aider. About SmartCo Future Health SmartCo Future Health is an award-winning consultancy shaping the future of healthcare. We bring a best-in-class team and future-focused approach; empowering clients, programmes and partners. We are a people first business, prioritising employee well-being, flexible working and equal opportunities for all.
Paul Gilliatt
16 June 2025
Welcome to Emma Vincent
We’re thrilled to welcome Emma Vincent to the SmartCo Future Health team as our new Client Services Manager. We caught up with Emma to learn more about her professional journey, her new role, and her first impressions of SmartCo Future Health. Read on to discover her story and what she brings to the team. Hi Emma. What’s your new role, and what will you be working on? I’m excited to have joined SmartCo as a Client Services Manager. In this role, I’ll be supporting our project delivery team, managing client relationships, and collaborating with internal teams to ensure successful project outcomes. I’ll also be working alongside our Client Engagement Team to identify and address any potential gaps in delivery, helping to provide effective solutions for our clients. Tell us a bit about your career background I began my career in event sales at 16, but during the COVID lockdown, I made the decision to transition into healthcare. I spent three years working for the NHS, where I was an end user of EPR systems. This experience sparked my interest in understanding the development and implementation of these systems, ultimately leading me into the field of digital healthcare. I joined my previous company as a Client Services Team Lead, a role that laid the groundwork for where I am today. In addition, I’m a qualified Sports Therapist and previously ran my own business for five years. Although I no longer practice, I continue to keep my CPD up to date. Most recently, I’ve also achieved my PRINCE2 qualification. What are you most looking forward to doing or learning here? I’m really looking forward to diving into project delivery. Joining SmartCo Future Health offers the opportunity to be actively involved on-site with clients, something I’ve been eager to experience and contribute to for some time. What was your first impression of our company culture? In a word – amazing. The people-centred, flexible approach to work is truly refreshing. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and approachable, and I’m already looking forward to seeing the social calendar. What’s something small that brings you joy every day? She’s not exactly small, more the size of a small child, but my dog Millie brings me joy every single day. She’s an 8-year-old labradoodle, and I’ve had her since she was just 8 weeks old. And yes, I’ll gladly show you photos of her all day, every day… even if you say no. What’s your ‘super power’ in every-day life? A former colleague once described me as a ‘one-person office sitcom’. I’m always ready with a quick-witted comment or a funny story to lift the mood. I’d say my superpower is maintaining a positive outlook no matter the circumstances… even if it means being the punchline myself! What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I’ve ever received is: ‘Don’t worry about things you can’t control.’ It’s something I remind myself of daily, and it’s helped me stay focused and avoid getting lost in the ‘what ifs.’ It’s a powerful way to reset mentally and redirect my energy toward what’s relevant and within my control.
Hannah Granshaw
10 June 2025
Welcome to Hayley Grafton
We’re excited to welcome Hayley Grafton to the SmartCo Future Health team, joining us as our CNIO Advisor. We had the chance to sit down with Hayley to hear about her career journey, her new position and her initial thoughts on SmartCo Future Health. Keep reading to learn more about her story and the expertise she brings to the team. Hi Hayley. What’s your new role, and what will you be working on? I’ve joined as a Clinical Advisor, supporting SmartCo Future Health to ensure a strong, authentic clinical voice is embedded across everything we do. I’ll be coordinating clinical input into projects, helping clients navigate digital change and innovation with real-world NHS insight. Alongside that, I’ll be driving the growth of SmartCo Future Health’s clinical presence and developing new opportunities to bring even more value to our clients – from coaching and mentoring to educational support and strategic advice. Tell us a bit about your career background I’ve been a registered nurse for over 20 years, specialising in intensive care, practice education, and more recently, digital health. I’m a self-proclaimed Nerdy Nurse – always drawn to tech and gadgets, which probably explains my early love for critical care and my natural move into digital leadership. A real career highlight was serving as an Editor for the Royal Marsden Manual for Clinical Nursing Procedures, affectionately known as the bible when I was a Nursing Student. I’ve led and supported a wide range of digital transformation programmes, from quality improvement and telecoms upgrades to multiple full-scale EPR implementations. I hold a master’s in digital health leadership through the NHS Leadership Academy and was honoured to be invited to advise on the NHS 10-Year Plan, helping shape the national strategy for supporting people through the shift from analogue to digital. I’m also the Chair of the Digital Health Networks CNIO Advisory Panel. Bringing together my passions for healthcare and technology has genuinely landed me in my dream career. What aspect of your new role are you most looking forward to? I’m most excited about sharing my knowledge, skills and experience beyond the walls of a single organisation, and supporting others to shape and deliver meaningful digital transformation. I’m especially passionate about helping teams turn big ambitions into practical, real-world change that benefits both patients and clinicians. What attracted you to join SmartCo Future Health? I’ve worked alongside SmartCo colleagues and associates on a range of projects and forums over the years, and I’ve always been impressed by the depth of their expertise and the quality of their work. What really drew me in, though, was their clear commitment to supporting healthcare, particularly the NHS, in a meaningful, future-focused way. It felt like the right team, with the right values, heading in the right direction. What’s your go to way to unwind after a long day? It depends on the day! Sometimes it’s a game of netball with the team I’ve played with for the past six years, other times it’s a long bath or a walk to the park with my three kids – though with three of them, those quiet moments to unwind are definitely in short supply! If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be? Definitely a new language! I love to travel but I’m hopeless with languages and always feel a bit rude not being able to speak the local lingo. Thankfully, tech comes to the rescue… but being fluent would be so much more efficient (and polite)! What’s your personal motto or favourite quote? “A tidy house is the sign of a wasted life.” It might sound like an excuse for a slightly chaotic (but clean!) home, but for me it reflects something deeper – life is so short, and when it comes to choosing between tidying up or grabbing an experience, a work opportunity, or moment with people I care about… I know which one I’m picking.
Hannah Granshaw
9 June 2025
Welcome to Chris Evans
We’re thrilled to welcome Chris Evans to the SmartCo Future Health team as our new Delivery Director. We recently caught up with Chris to learn more about his career journey, his new role and what excites him about being part of the team. Read on to discover his story and the valuable experience he brings to the team. Hi Chris. What’s your new role, and what will you be working on? In my new role as Delivery Director at SmartCo Future Health, I’ll be leading the SmartCo Future Health delivery team, ensuring our clients’ programmes and projects are delivered successfully, safely and securely, with minimal disruption to the healthcare organisations we support. I’m currently working closely with University Hospitals of Leicester (UHL) and University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) to drive the successful delivery of their Electronic Patient Record (EPR) programmes. What has been your career leading up to SmartCo? Over the past 10 years, I’ve progressed from project support roles through to project and programme management, ultimately taking on Programme Director positions. During this time, I’ve worked with numerous NHS trusts across the UK and have played a key role in four major Go-Lives within the last three years. What excites you most about being part of the team? I’m excited to collaborate with the entire SmartCo Future Health team in the weeks, months and years ahead. We share a common goal, delivering the highest quality services in healthcare to create a meaningful, positive impact for both hospital staff and patients. What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on? I’ve had the opportunity to work on several exciting projects, including the delivery of a Maternity EPR at Derby and Burton, the first implementation of Outpatients and Self Check-In within the Nervecentre EPR at the East Midlands Planned Care Centre, and most recently, the first-of-its-kind Nervecentre PAS deployment at University Hospitals of Leicester. What’s something people would be surprised to know about you? I originally began my career in engineering after leaving school, but quickly realised it wasn’t the right path for me. A few years later, I found my way into project delivery within healthcare, and that’s where I discovered my passion and the opportunity to truly make a difference. Coffee, tea or something else entirely? Coffee – specifically a caramel latte (iced in the summer, of course!).
Hannah Granshaw
6 June 2025
Why I joined SmartCo Future Health…
Trust. Trust is the foundation of everything. At SmartCo Future Health, we build honest, reliable relationships by openly sharing company goals and decisions. We deliver on our promises to employees and customers, upholding the highest ethical and operational standards. Trust has shaped my career from the beginning. In 1998, my MSc dissertation focused on bringing three Trusts together, exploring clinical collaboration for a Public-Private Partnership investment in a single District General Hospital. My role was to assess how far collaboration with a neighbouring NHS Trust could go – an endeavour that relied on both strategy and trust in uncertain outcomes. Research confirmed what many leaders experience: collaboration is common, yet often unsuccessful. As Chris Huxham noted, partnerships frequently struggle. Rosabeth Moss Kanter, a key influence in my thinking, emphasised the importance of leadership cultures that empower individuals while creating space for partners to contribute and grow. For collaboration to work, trust must be built deliberately. It requires acknowledging the vulnerability that comes with uncertainty—whether in shifting clinical services or broader strategic decisions. Clear communication and structured frameworks make this possible. At SmartCo Future Health, we don’t just value trust – we actively build it. Our long-standing expertise in creating collaborative structures has shown that trust strengthens cross-functional teamwork. As Davis and Lawrence observed, when trust is in place, teams rely on each other’s expertise and judgments, leveraging their unique strengths. Trust isn’t just a principle. It’s the foundation for lasting success. About Jill With over 30 years of leadership experience across the NHS and private sector, Jill brings deep expertise in digital transformation, complex programme delivery and people-first change. She’s passionate about using technology as an enabler to drive better health outcomes and operational efficiency. About SmartCo Future Health SmartCo Future Health is an award-winning consultancy shaping the future of healthcare. We bring a best-in-class team and future-focused approach; empowering clients, programmes and partners. We are a people first business, prioritising employee well-being, flexible working and equal opportunities for all.
Jill de Bene
4 June 2025
Welcome to Jill de Bene
We’re excited to announce Jill de Bene has joined the SmartCo Future Health team as Director of Consulting. We caught up with Jill to hear about her career path, her new role and what motivated her to become part of SmartCo Future Health. Read on to learn more about her journey. Hi Jill. What will you be focusing on in your new role of Director of Consulting? My focus will be on enhancing our already outstanding consultancy offerings, ensuring they deliver maximum return on investment for our customers. I’ll also be working to grow the skills and capabilities within our consultancy team to continue delivering exceptional value. Can you share an overview of your career journey so far? My career has spanned the NHS, the private sector, major IT programmes in health, software companies and consultancies. I’ve also had the unique opportunity to lead the commissioning of a hospital in Africa and served as CEO of the Institute of Health Care Managers, an organisation that established the benchmark qualification for hospital managers, and one that remains a valuable standard in healthcare management today. What aspect of your new role are you most looking forward to? Collaborating with a team of exceptional consultants and making a meaningful impact. Having worked with some of them before, I deeply respect their values and ethos, and I’m eager to be part of their ongoing journey. What stood out about our mission or culture that made you want to join? What stood out to me most was the emphasis on trust. Trust is the foundation of everything. SmartCo Future Health fosters honest, reliable relationships by openly communicating goals and decisions. We consistently deliver on promises to both employees and customers, maintaining the highest ethical and operational standards. Read more on why I joined SmartCo Future Health here. What never fails to put a smile on your face? My son and walks in the countryside, whatever the weather. What advice has made the biggest difference in your life or career? Communicate, Communicate, Communicate. You’re stuck on an island. What’s in your survival pack? If I were stuck on an island, I’d want a survival pack filled with tools, things to dig, plant, grow and maybe even build a boat. I’m a practical person, so being able to create and sustain would be key.
Hannah Granshaw
4 June 2025
Paul Gilliatt Appointed as Managing Director
We’re delighted to announce that Paul Gilliatt has been appointed as Managing Director of SmartCo Future Health. Paul brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role, and his appointment marks an exciting and significant milestone in our journey as we continue to expand our team and evolve as a business. This step forward reflects not only our strategic ambitions but also the incredible progress we’ve made to date. It’s a proud moment for us – being in a position to make this appointment, with the subsequent Director level hires, is a true testament to the hard work, talent and dedication of our entire team. As we look ahead, Paul’s leadership will play a vital role in shaping the next chapter of SmartCo Future Health, strengthening our mission to drive innovation, build meaningful partnerships and deliver impactful solutions across the health and care sector. “Maturing and expanding our leadership team is vital for SmartCo Future Health to manage and sustain our successful growth. The contribution Paul has made to the business over the last year has been outstanding. His insightful views on the digital healthcare market, experience in major programme delivery and the personal values he displays made him the obvious choice to become our managing director.” Rhys Hefford, CEO “I’m excited to lead SmartCo Future Health on our mission to shape the future of healthcare: building our fantastic team; strengthening our client and industry partnerships; developing our value propositions; and continuing to support our clients to deliver improved services for patients and staff. Thank you to all our team, clients and partners for your part in our journey. Digital transformation is critical to the future of health and care, and it’s a privilege to be working at the forefront of this transformation.” Paul Gilliatt, Partner and Managing Director About Paul Paul works in partnership with healthcare organisations to deliver people- centred transformation that improves services for patients and staff. He has 25 years’ transformation experience, with 15 years leading national programmes and services in the NHS, including Frontline Digitisation. He is a graduate of the Major Projects Leadership Academy, a High-Risk Review Team Leader for the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority and a Mental Health First Aider. About SmartCo Future Health SmartCo Future Health is an award-winning consultancy shaping the future of healthcare. We bring a best-in-class team and future-focused approach; empowering clients, programmes and partners. We are a people first business, prioritising employee well-being, flexible working and equal opportunities for all.
Hannah Granshaw
2 June 2025
Welcome to Becks McCafferty
We’re excited to introduce Becks McCafferty as the newest member of SmartCo Future Health, stepping into the role of Resource Manager. We caught up with Becks to explore her professional journey, get a glimpse of her new responsibilities, and hear what sparked her interest in joining SmartCo Future Health. Read on to discover her story. Hi Becks. What’s your new role, and what will you be working on? I’ve joined the team as Resource Manager, where I will be focusing on our Associate and Consultant community. Helping to ensure all Associates continue to have a positive and engaging experience with us as we grow as a business. From onboarding to their day-to-day work, I will aim to help them feel connected to the wider business and our collective successes. I’ll be working closely with multiple teams to make sure we’re attracting great talent, supporting our Associates throughout their journey, and giving them an experience that’s every bit as engaging and valued as our permanent team. Tell us a little bit about your career background My experience spans across both fast-paced start-ups and large corporates, giving me a well-rounded perspective on how different organisations approach talent, processes and growth. My background covers talent acquisition, HR and employee engagement, always with a strong focus on building positive people focused experiences. Whether scaling teams up quickly or refining internal processes, I’ve always been led by creating environments where people feel supported, connected and set up for success. What attracted you to join SmartCo Future Health? Being part of a consultancy that’s making a real impact in such an important sector really resonates with me. On top of that, the culture felt like a great fit. The people focused and collaborative way of working stood out straight away, and there is such a strong focus on flexibility and work life balance, which is invaluable as a working parent. What excites you most about this opportunity? There’s so much potential to make a positive impact, not just processes, but a culture that makes Associates feel valued, included and to feel proud to be part of the success of SmartCo Future Health. I also feel excited about working with such a friendly and talented team. What’s something that always makes you laugh? My two boys always make me laugh. I have a 5 year old and my youngest is nearly 2. However, I will typically experience all the emotions before dropping them off at 8am, from joy and laughter straight through to anger, despair and anxiety! But luckily, most of the time they will make me laugh! If you were stranded on an island, what three items would you bring? An inflatable Lilo or maybe a life jacket. I can swim, but I’m not the best. Lots of chocolate My toiletries bag What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? ‘Say yes to new things’. Embracing new opportunities is normally a good thing!
Hannah Granshaw
21 May 2025