top of page
Lloyd Price
1 hour ago

Nelson Advisors partner with The Future Health for Healthcare Technology networking event at Google London



London, 16th January 2025 — Data, decentralisation, and demonstrating the ROI of AI were among the key themes at an event at which former UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock joined health tech leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities facing the UK health tech sector.


Hosted by Google Cloud and sponsored by DataArt, the gathering saw Hancock join Nigel Brokenshire of Bayer UK and industry leaders such as Julie Pelta (DataArt), Dr Priya Sadhwani (Ufonia), and Manish Patel (Jiva.ai).


This expert panel chaired by former Zesty founder and Nelson Advisors Partner Lloyd Price, discussed AI’s transformative potential, the shift to a home-based health service, and how to overcome systemic barriers to technology adoption.


With the government looking to turbocharge the country's use of AI, the panel underscored how greater specificity in AI applications can lead to greater traction in healthcare. If AI solutions can help reallocate patients in real-time to reduce pressure on emergency departments, they solve a specific pain point.


However, implementing such technology requires careful change management and the trust of patients and professionals. It also must contend with slow policy adaptation. The fragmented nature of NHS data was also referenced; immediate data capture was seen as essential for real-time decision-making.



The shift to community and home-based care came under the spotlight as the government looks to urge a ‘left-shift’ in care from hospital-based care. Having had some initial pushback during the heights of the Covid pandemic, innovations in remote diagnostics are now attracting interest as NHS services become overwhelmed. Local NHS services increasingly rely on technology and community networks to meet demand and improve efficiency.


Such tools, already evident with the Digital Health Check, can help people take greater ownership of their health. However, they need to integrate into care pathways and may take time to be adopted.


Navigating NHS procurement was a major theme, as startups face a complex journey entering the NHS market. Industry professionals advised innovators: Don't just bring your product to market. Understand the specific priorities and pain points of the healthcare system, demonstrate ROI, and contend with the intricacies of NHS procurement. Yet, even with these strategies, many innovators encounter significant delays in adoption.


Although small improvements could yield massive cost savings, as the event noted, “We can control a Mars rover from Earth, but we can’t send a medical record across the street.” Innovators should appreciate that the NHS—a regular victim of change—can demonstrate cultural resistance and outdated processes. The need to address human factors was seen as crucial.


The event showed that the focus remains on actionable steps for the NHS and health tech innovators: aligning with NHS priorities, building trust among providers, and ensuring AI and decentralised solutions integrate into existing systems.


Attendees praised the session for its engaging format, which combined high-level insights with actionable takeaways. Attendees had the chance to network with innovators, VCs, clinical leads, academics, founders, and senior NHS leaders, and many praised the event.


Heather Cook, CEO Wellmind Health commented enthusiastically “It was definitely THE hottest ticket in town, so great to see so many of my colleagues and friends there, and a fabulous opportunity to network with new disrupters of health and med tech."
Subhash Mishra, Chief Revenue Officer at Opto Health praised the event saying “The Future Health is fast becoming one of the most exciting communities in UK Healthtech”


Vernon Baxter, Health & Social Care Specialist, noted that “optimism and excitement (just about…) outweighed the hurdles presented by the health system.” Fellow delegate and doctor Harry Thirkettle said: “It’s clear that while innovation in health tech is thriving, systemic issues like policy inertia, workforce pressures, and disjointed priorities across the NHS remain significant hurdles.”
Eddie Harding, Partner at ICON Corporate Finance noted “A couple of us from the HealthTech team attended a packed-house The Future Health event at Google's Central Saint Giles London office tonight, hosted by the inimitable Lloyd Price who’d curated an exciting band of panellists from Bayer, Ufonia, DataArt, Jiva.ai plus the former Health Secretary, Matt Hancock!”

Future Health, a global community of health tech leaders, organised the gathering as part of a series of events that explore the latest ideas, people, innovations, and technologies shaping healthcare's future.


Founded by Kevin McDonnell, Lloyd Price, Oliver Hindmarsh and Adam Kamruddin in 2024, The Future Health has successfully delivered a number of events focused around key issues such as healthcare data, interoperability, cyber security, patient engagement, AI and applications.


Future Health will return early in April 2025 for their next event in central London, continuing to drive conversations that shape the intersection of technology and healthcare.


Nelson Advisors work with Healthcare Technology Founders, Owners and Investors to assess whether they should 'Build, Buy, Partner or Sell' in order to maximise shareholder value > https://nelsonadvisors.co.uk/

 

Healthcare Technology Thought Leadership from Nelson Advisors – Market Insights, Analysis & Predictions. Visit https://www.healthcare.digital 

 

Buy Side, Sell Side, Growth & Strategy services for HealthTech Founders, Owners and Investors. Email lloyd@nelsonadvisors.co.uk

 

Nelson Advisors Healthcare Technology Newsletter > Mergers, Acquisitions, Growth, Strategy, Insights & Predictions. Subscribe Today! https://lnkd.in/e5hTp_xb 

 



3 views

Comments

Screenshot 2023-11-06 at 13.13.55.png
bottom of page