Barts Health shortlisted for three HSJ Digital Awards
Barts Health has been shortlisted for three awards at the 2026 HSJ Digital Awards, which celebrate the use of digital technology to improve patient care, support staff and transform health services across the NHS.
The shortlisted entries are:
Digital Transformation Organisation of the Year
WeConnect , Barts Health’s trust-wide digital transformation programme, recognises sustained progress in embedding digital systems into everyday clinical practice, with a focus on optimisation, clinical leadership and staff training. The programme has delivered measurable benefits, including a 50% reduction in time spent recording vital signs, releasing more time for direct patient care.
Outstanding Achievement in EPR Implementation and Optimisation
A joint nomination with Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, the nomination recognises the successful delivery of WeConnect through the North East London EPR collaborative. The programme has improved access to patient information, supported safer and more consistent care, and strengthened collaboration between clinical teams across organisations.
Driving Virtual Wards and Hospital at Home Through Digital
At Barts Heart Centre , the ATLAS Virtual Ward , developed with Ortus-iHealth, is giving people waiting for treatment after a heart attack a more comfortable and patient-centred option. Low-risk patients whose condition is stable can return home and use an app to record their vital signs, which are monitored remotely by clinical teams who can respond quickly if a patient’s condition changes.
The approach reduces waiting times, frees up hospital beds and helps patients stay active and well at home, rather than spending several days in hospital while awaiting care. Patients report feeling happier, more comfortable and more mobile at home.
Louise Hicks, group deputy chief nurse and chief nursing information officer said:
The submissions are a great testament to years of fantastic teamwork and for WeConnect to be a finalist for more than one award is really an amazing achievement.
Together, the shortlisted projects show how digital innovation, clinical leadership and partnership working can make a real difference to patient care, staff experience and the way services are delivered. We wish all the teams the very best of luck and look forward to the awards later this year!