Innovative initiatives by the Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust (HCT) have positioned the organization for recognition in three categories at the upcoming HSJ Digital Awards 2026. The Trust’s child health information service (CHIS) automation project has been shortlisted for two awards: Improving back-office efficiencies through digital and Unlocking productivity and efficiency with digital.
Faced with the daunting task of processing over 700,000 historical child health records, HCT initially estimated that a manual approach would take approximately 15 years and six months, costing around £1.1 million. By implementing robotic process automation (RPA), the team significantly reduced the delivery time to just 28 months. This transformation not only led to substantial cost savings but also allowed staff to redirect their efforts towards patient-focused activities.
Recognition for Digital Advancements
In addition to the CHIS project, HCT’s Digital First team has been shortlisted for the Team of the Year award. Chief Executive Elliot Howard-Jones expressed pride in the nominations, stating, “We are honoured to be shortlisted for these prestigious awards in three categories. This recognition reflects the dedication of our Digital First team and their pioneering approach to digital advancements that make a real difference in patient care.”
The CHIS automation project aligns with the National Health Service England’s (NHSE) priorities, focusing on enhancing digital productivity, optimizing the workforce, and reducing administrative burdens. Howard-Jones highlighted that the project serves as a benchmark for how automation can enhance productivity, support safer patient care, and enable clinicians to concentrate on their core responsibilities.
The impact of the Digital First team has been felt across the organization. Despite being relatively new, they have emerged as a vital force within the Trust, facilitating significant changes that improve patient care and positively influence staff experiences.
Award Ceremony Details
With a total of 468 entries submitted for the HSJ Digital Awards, only 201 projects have made it to the shortlist. The winners will be announced at a ceremony scheduled for June 19, 2026. This event is anticipated to celebrate the best in digital transformation within the healthcare sector, highlighting the innovative efforts of organizations like HCT that strive to enhance care quality and operational efficiency.
