Free live webinar | Thursday 13 August 2026 | 11:00 – 12:15 BST
Join the discussion on decisions shaping one of the NHS’s most significant digital transformation programmes
A single patient record, which brings together GP and hospital data and is visible to patients through the NHS App by 2028, is one of the boldest commitments in the 10 Year Health Plan.
The ambition is clear, but previous attempts to achieve the same goal have had mixed success. What remains uncertain is how the NHS will get there – and what will be different this time.
Shared care records have laid important foundations, but they have also exposed the challenges that must be addressed if the NHS is to deliver a single patient record at national scale. At the same time, new questions are emerging around governance, implementation, data, trust and interoperability.
Tackling these issues is key to unlocking the potential of a single patient record to improve outcomes through better access to information for patients and more productive, joined-up care across the NHS.
This webinar brings together national and local leaders – and you, the audience – to move beyond the vision and help shape the key decisions still to be made on the single patient record, the role of existing shared care records, and what success should look like by 2028.
The discussion will address questions such as:
- What will a single patient record actually look like in practice?
- What role should national leadership, local organisations and suppliers play?
- What governance, standards and interoperability will be needed, and who controls the data?
- How can the NHS build on existing investment while creating a coherent national approach?
- What are the biggest unanswered questions, and what decisions need to be made next?
The discussion will be moderated by Andrew Besford, non-executive director and chair of the digital committee at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust. Besford authored GGF’s report titled A Fresh Mandate for Digital Leadership in the NHS, which was published in October 2025 and based on interviews with digital leaders in NHS trusts in England.
Who should attend?
This webinar is designed for professionals working across:
- NHS digital transformation
- Information governance
- Data and analytics
- Clinical informatics
- Interoperability and architecture
- Integrated care systems
- NHS operational leadership
- Technology and innovation
- Policy and strategy
Speakers
Lee Rickles, Chief Information Officer, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
(CIO) at Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust and Director of Interweave, the platform powering the Yorkshire & Humber Care Record (YHCR). With over 30 years of experience in transformation and programme management—including two decades dedicated to digital innovation within the NHS—Lee has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare through technology.
As CIO, Lee has led major digital advancements at his Trust within the BeDigital Transformation programme, including the implementation of a new electronic patient record system, patient communications and spearheading mental health digital transformation across the Humber & North Yorkshire Integrated Care System. He is the national Senior Responsible Owner for the Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag, a key initiative supporting equitable care for individuals with additional needs.
Lee has been instrumental in the development of the Yorkshire & Humber Care Record and Interweave, which enables seamless sharing of patient information across health and care services. Interweave’s alignment with the PRSB Core Information Standard underscores its commitment to interoperability and has earned recognition through HSJ Digital Awards nominations.
A passionate advocate for breaking down barriers in the NHS, Lee champions the use of technology to improve data sharing, tackle health inequalities, and drive meaningful change. He emphasizes that digital transformation is not just about systems—it’s about people, leadership, communication, and the practical application of emerging technologies like AI.
From Hull, Lee is deeply committed to his community and to promoting diversity and inclusion in tech. He is a Fellow of the BCS, a FEDIP Leading Practitioner, and a CHIME Certified Health CIO, actively contributing to national bodies including the PRSB Advisory Board and the BCS Health and Care Board.
Outside of work, Lee is a keen runner and actively involved in community sports, reflecting his belief in the power of connection, wellbeing, and local engagement.
Dr Dan Alton, Chief Clinical Information Officer, NHS Thames Valley
As Chief Clinical Information Officer for Thames Valley Integrated Care Board (ICB), Dr Dan Alton provides the clinical leadership for digital and data transformation across the Integrated Care System (ICS), ensuring that change is driven by the needs of patients, populations and clinicians. He has been instrumental in designing and delivering large-scale digital transformation programmes and system wide strategies, establishing the governance, data infrastructure and partnerships needed to enable sustainable change across health and care.
Dan has a particular interest in Population Health Management (PHM) and its role in enabling proactive, integrated and preventative models of care. Alongside leading this work locally, he previously served as National Clinical Advisor for Population Health Management at NHS England, helping to shape the national strategy and support for PHM implementation across the NHS. He has also worked internationally with the World Health Organisation (WHO), contributing to the development of international policy, guidance and support for the adoption of Population Health Management worldwide.
Webinar chair: Andrew Besford, Non-executive Director, Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Andrew Besford works across large private sector organisations and complex public systems, helping them use technology and data to modernise services and deliver change.
He authored the Global Government Forum report, “A fresh mandate for digital leadership in the NHS”, which identifies what needs to change to meet the UK government’s digital ambitions for the NHS.
He served as a senior civil servant at the Department for Work and Pensions and at the Cabinet Office’s Government Digital Service, where he led the creation of the 2017 UK Government Transformation Strategy. Andrew is a non-executive director in the NHS and chairs the digital committee at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust.
Register free today
Join colleagues from across the NHS to explore the opportunities, challenges and key decisions that will shape the future of the NHS Single Patient Record.