Resources and insights
The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.
UK's Best Workplaces in Tech™ 2026
Hannah Granshaw
24 September 2026
Welcome to Suzi Parish
A warm welcome to Suzi Parish who joins the SmartCo Future Health team as our new Principal Consultant We sat down with Suzi to hear about her career journey, her new role and her first impressions of SmartCo Future Health. Read on to learn more about her background, passions and the experience she brings to the team. Hi Suzi. What’s your new role, and what will you be focusing on? I’m joining the team as a Principal Consultant. I’ll be focusing on supporting Trusts through their digital transformations and ensuring they get the most out of their systems. What has your career looked like leading up to SmartCo? My background is clinical – I trained and worked as a nurse. About 15 years ago, I became involved with digital systems. I was genuinely concerned about how these systems would impact clinical staff, especially if they weren’t included in their design. That sparked my journey into digital health. What attracted you to SmartCo’s mission and team? It’s the collaborative expertise – bringing together a wealth of knowledge to help Trusts optimise their systems and navigate smooth transitions to new systems. That focus on practical, informed support really resonated with me. What areas of healthcare innovation are you most passionate about? That’s a tough one – ultimately, we’re all aiming to improve patient care. But I’ve always been passionate about how innovation impacts staff. With increasing pressures and rising documentation demands, I’m focused on making their lives easier. Communicating local, tangible benefits to frontline teams is what I care most about. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in digital health? It’s an amazing field that offers insight into how healthcare really works behind the scenes. You don’t need to be a technical expert – if you can communicate clearly, understand different perspectives, and explain things well, you’ll thrive. How do you recharge outside of work? I’m a huge sports fan – F1, Tour de France, Le Mans, TT. If I’m not watching something, I’ve usually got my head in a book or I’m at the theatre. I’m a big fan of musicals! What’s a place on your travel bucket list and why? Honestly, I’m a homebird at heart. I love holidays, but it’s less about the destination and more about being with my family and having fun together.
Hannah Granshaw
8 July 2025
Welcome to Ry Nasser
We’re excited to welcome Ry Nasser to the SmartCo Future Health team as our new Senior Consultant. We recently caught up with Ry to learn more about his career journey, his new role and what how he sees his role contributing to the future of health. Read on to discover his story and the valuable experience he brings to the team. Hi Ry. What’s your new role, and what will you be focusing on? My new role is as a Senior Consultant with the SmartCo Future Health Delivery Team. I’ll be focusing on managing client projects from end to end, ensuring they are delivered successfully, safely and to a high standard. This includes overseeing project planning, stakeholder coordination and risk management, making sure each project aligns with client expectations. What has been your career leading up to SmartCo? I’ve worked in the NHS since I was 17, gaining experience across a wide range of roles and departments, from an A&E receptionist to Bed Management and eventually as a Clinical Systems Coordinator. Over time, I developed a strong interest in digital transformation, which led me to specialise in project management. For the past 6 years, I’ve worked as a Project Manager, focusing on digital implementations. During that time, I’ve successfully led several major go-lives, helping to deliver impactful change across healthcare services. How do you see your role contributing to the future of health? I’ve been working in health for 16 years, and coming from a family of nurses, the importance of healthcare has always been deeply embedded in me. It’s more than just a career, it’s something I genuinely care about. In my role, I aim to continue the work I’ve been doing: helping to deliver meaningful change that makes a real difference to patients, their families and the healthcare professionals who do incredible work every single day. Whether it’s through improving systems, supporting safer care or enabling more efficient services, I see my role as part of the bigger picture in shaping a better, more responsive future for health. What aspects of SmartCo’s culture or team dynamics appealed to you most? What appealed to me most about SmartCo’s culture was the genuine passion the team has for the work they do. I had a number of conversations with different team members before joining, and it was clear that there’s a strong focus on learning, innovation and collaboration. That really aligns with my own values and approach to work. From those conversations alone, it felt like the kind of environment where people are truly invested in making a difference, and one that I can’t wait to be a part of. If you could learn a new skill or hobby this year, what would it be? My football career and ability is now in a downward spiral, so I’ve recently started playing Padel. This year the aim is to polish up on my serve and backhand. If you had a superpower, what would it be? Good question, I’d probably say teleportation – practical, efficient and perfect for avoiding traffic and queues. If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go? I’d say Brazil, Rio de Janeiro. I’ve always wanted to visit there!
Hannah Granshaw
1 July 2025
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
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
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
Our SmartEPR Ecosystem Service
As your strategic partner, we offer a one-stop supply chain for all components of your EPR journey, from early-stage readiness through procurement, implementation and optimisation. Through our SmartEPR Ecosystem, we provide access to tailored EPR intervention; a co-designed delivery service with your workforce and patients at the heart. This delivers an integrated, service model that aligns with national policy, supports your local clinical vision, and ensures transformation is safe, timely and sustainable. With SmartCo Future Health as your strategic partner, you gain not just a supplier, but a catalyst to achieve your EPR ambitions in a way that is faster, safer and tailored to your organisation’s EPR needs. A year on, and our NHSE Frontline Digitisation commissioned guide, “Making the most of EPR supplier/NHS relationships” remains just as relevant, if not more so. Offering practical insights into how to work effectively with EPR suppliers to deliver safer, smarter outcomes. We hope it continues to be a valuable resource for associates, partners and customers. EPR Guide – Supplier NHS Relationships – May 2024 If you would like to co-design your own EPR Ecosystem with SmartCo Future Health, or book a strategic discussion with our specialist EPR team contact enquiries@smartcofh.co.uk. About Taja With 15 years of consulting experience, Taja has led digital transformation across the NHS, delivering strategic advisory and technology programmes to improve efficiency, clinical outcomes and patient experience. Her focus is on large-scale digital healthcare initiatives, with a keen interest in how AI, predictive analytics and automation are shaping the future of care. At SmartCo Future Health, Taja’s committed to building a smarter, more equitable and sustainable healthcare system for future generations. 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.
Taja Quigley
15 May 2025
International Nurses Day
Firstly let me say Happy International Nurses’ Day to all my colleagues past and present. Nursing is not something you do, it is something you are and I knew I was going to be a Nurse from the age of 14. Sitting at my Grandad’s hospital bedside, I watched the nurses go about their work with such calm, competence and care and I just knew. I was asked recently would I still go into Nursing if I was starting over and I absolutely would. It has been and continues to be a varied and meaningful profession. I feel very fortunate to have known early on about my career path, and I had a fabulous 16 years as a bedside nurse, in General Medicine, Palliative Care and then specialising in Intensive Care. What I hadn’t anticipated back then was a move into clinical informatics and then digital nursing. Having said that, I’ve always been a bit of a nerd (often describing myself as a ‘Nerdy Nurse’). When my friends were buying the latest fashion trend I was buying the latest gadget. I also sought to digitise everything, much to my fellow ‘techno-phobe’ colleagues’ dismay, from nurses skills passports to full-scale EPRs. Doing anything but colouring with the kids on paper just didn’t make sense to me. So digital nursing has truly been a revolution of bringing together two passions; patient care and technology. I’m very proud of being the clinical voice and the patient advocate in the digital health agenda. While those in these roles completely get it, the reaction from others has been interesting. I’ve been asked why I left nursing? And will I return to nursing once the ‘project’ is done? I’m still very much a nurse, in everything I do daily. I wholeheartedly believe in the cause of improving and changing the face of healthcare delivery with technology. Reassuringly, the importance is also front and centre of the NHS 10-year plan with the shift from Analogue to Digital. I’ve been fortunate enough to have been in a digital leadership role for the past 6 years and involved in many implementations and attempts at digital transformation. The successes are fundamentally driven by the people, not necessarily the technology (although good, user-centred tech really helps). I have many scars, accolades and lessons learned, and the part of my job I enjoy most is sharing this experience, knowledge and insights, in the hope the next attempt avoids the pitfalls and dines on the successes. I’m delighted to be working with SmartCo Future Health as an associate to provide a clinical insight into the great work they do and to share the little wisdom I have far and wide. True progress in nursing comes not only from compassion at the bedside, but from the courage to challenge the status quo and reimagine care for the future. Inspired by the legacy of Florence Nightingale 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.
Hayley Grafton
12 May 2025
Introducing SmartCo Future Health
For over 5 years, SmartCo Health has combined deep healthcare expertise with a drive for innovation.We’ve worked alongside some of the most forward-thinking organisations in the sector, navigating change, driving efficiency and enabling better outcomes for patients and providers alike. The pace of digital transformation in healthcare is faster than ever.To meet this moment, we knew we had to evolve, not only in what we do, but in how we define ourselves. Today, I’m proud to introduce SmartCo Future Health.This isn’t just a new name. This marks a strategic shift in our identity, one that reflects not just where we’ve come from, but where we’re going. A Future-Focused Healthcare Partner SmartCo Future Health represents our renewed commitment to becoming a truly future-focused partner for healthcare organisations. We’re deepening our focus and investment on innovation, digital transformation and strategic consultancy to help our clients adapt and thrive in a fast-changing healthcare market. From supporting digital maturity to navigating workforce transformation and system redesign, we’re here to help shape the future of healthcare, not just react to it. Strengthening Our Team and Mission As part of this evolution, we’re also expanding our team. We’ve welcomed new talent across the business, individuals with fresh perspectives, deep expertise and the ambition to challenge the status quo. Together, we’re building a dynamic, multidisciplinary consultancy our clients need to tackle tomorrow’s most pressing problems. SmartCo Future Health is more than a rebrand, it’s a renewal of our mission: To empower healthcare systems to deliver sustainable, digitally-enabled, people-centred care. The Future Is Here The future of healthcare is here.And we’re here to lead the way with our partners, driving meaningful change, every step of the journey. 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.
Rhys Hefford
8 May 2025