Innovate-Led Projects Shortlisted for Two HSJ Digital Awards: Driving Digital Transformation in Partnership with SWFT
We’re delighted to share that two Innovate-led projects, delivered in collaboration with South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT), have been shortlisted for the prestigious HSJ Digital Awards.
These nominations recognise our leadership in designing, delivering, and supporting impactful digital solutions that improve outcomes for patients. It’s fantastic to see the power of our partnership with SWFT gaining national recognition.
The first nomination recognises the implementation of the UK’s first fully digital NHS site capacity and flow system at Warwick Hospital — a project that has revolutionised how the Trust manages bed availability and patient flow.
At the core of this transformation is the Digital Site Capacity Tracker, developed in-house by Innovate. The system provides real-time data, replaces manual processes, and enhances communication between the Site Capacity Office and clinical teams — ultimately enabling quicker, safer, and more coordinated patient care.
Innovate not only developed the software solution but also fully funded the hardware, including 24 large 32-inch digital monitors that display real-time ward and capacity information across the hospital.
The second nomination celebrates the success of LOLA, an AI-powered virtual assistant that is transforming referral screening for the Warwickshire Wheelchair Service.
Implemented by Innovate’s Digital Hub Team, LOLA uses conversational AI to conduct initial screening assessments — a task that was previously carried out by clinicians. By automating this process, the service has increased capacity, improved consistency, and enhanced the patient experience.
“LOLA has been a game changer,” said Bridgit Vorster-Gibbons, Principal Occupational Therapist at SWFT. “It allows us to manage increasing referrals more efficiently while ensuring patients receive the right level of care in a timely manner. By automating screening, our clinicians can focus on providing hands-on support where it’s most needed.”
This project reflects Innovate’s commitment to smart, scalable technology solutions that respond directly to operational and clinical challenges.
Phil Johns, Chief Technology Officer at Innovate, said: “At Innovate we are committed to driving digital transformation in healthcare. Partnering with SWFT to develop the UK’s first fully digital NHS site capacity and flow system and support to implement LOLA emphasises our dedication to using technology to improve patient care. By harnessing real-time data, we have significantly enhanced operational efficiency, improved patient outcomes, and streamlined care delivery.
“It is an incredible achievement that these projects have been shortlisted for a HSJ Digital Award and highlights the transformative power of digital innovation in healthcare.”
These nominations shine a light on the meaningful impact that Innovate’s expertise, funding, and development capabilities are having on the NHS. From large-scale infrastructure projects to intelligent automation, our work is making care more efficient, responsive, and patient-focused.
We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed ahead of the HSJ Digital Awards ceremony on 26 June 2025, and we’ll continue working alongside our NHS partners to shape the future of digital healthcare.