UKDHC expands leadership and launches International Committee to support continued growth

UK Digital Health and Care (UKDHC) is proud to announce two major developments that mark a significant step forward in its growth. The organisation has appointed new directors and executive committee members, further strengthening its leadership team. At the same time, UKDHC has launched its International Committee to foster global collaboration and bring fresh international perspectives to its work in digital health and care.

Although UKDHC is less than a year old, it has already made substantial progress in building an inclusive community of healthcare professionals, digital health innovators and policymakers. These latest developments reflect the organisation’s growing momentum and commitment to driving collaboration and improving care through digital innovation.

Strengthening leadership

The newly appointed directors and executive committee members bring a wide range of experience from clinical practice, digital health and health policy. Their expertise will help shape the next phase of UKDHC’s growth, guiding the organisation as it addresses the evolving needs of the digital health and care sector.

“The appointment of these talented individuals comes at a pivotal time for UKDHC. With their combined experience and insights, we are well-positioned to build on our achievements and continue connecting and empowering the digital health community across the UK,” says Prof. Angus Wallace, Chair of UKDHC.

Newly appointed directors:

Mark Nicholas – Deputy Director for Platforms and Services, Chief Social Worker and Head of Profession for Social Care Informatics, Digital Clinical Informatics Team,| NHS Transformation Directorate, NHS England
Dr Phil Koczan – GP Churchill Medical Centre, Deputy Director, Medical Directorate NHS England; Interim Caldicott Guardian for NHS England; previous Senior Clinical Advisor to NHS England Transformation Directorate for Primary Care Digital Transformation and Shared Records
Dr Marcela Vizcaychipi – Consultant in Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine, Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer, Imperial College London; CCIO – Clinical Safety Officer, IEEE CertifAIEd™ Authorised Lead Assessor (AI Ethics), Chelsea & Westminster NHSFT
Dr Ameet Bakhai – Consultant Cardiologist, Royal Free Hospital NHSFT, London; Chief Research Informatics Officer, Clinical R&D Director and Clinical Safety Officer in the NHS; Harvard Scholar; Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians

Newly appointed board advisor to the UKDHC Board and member of the Finance Committee:

Mr Michael Oxby – Director Michael Oxby Consultancy; member of the Children’s Air Ambulance UK Voluntary Fund-Raising Board; volunteer for Firefly; previous Managing Director/CEO Macquarie Asset Finance UK; past Head of Asset Based Lending, Allied Irish Bank GB

Newly appointed executive committee members.

Pip Hodgson – A&E Nurse, Maidstone and Turnbridge Wells Hospitals; Associate & Digital Specialist, Digital Care; previous Digital Strategy & Product Advisor, Careology, Head of National Digital Product; Product Director [Covid Pass]; Clinical Director (DTAC)
Krish Ganesan – Co-founder ‘Good You Asked’; healthcare entrepreneur with over two decades of experience with various ventures in India
Thomas Smith – Independent Patient Engagement Consultant and Patient Advocate
Dr Suhail Chughtai – Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon (locum), South East England, Telehealth & AI Strategist-Innovator; certifications in GDPR compliance and data management
Jane Fitzgerald – Senior Lecturer, Health Informatics and Course Leader, MSc/PGDip/PGCert Health Informatics, University of Central Lancashire
Emma Dunphy – First Contact Physiotherapist, Homerton University Hospital NHS Trust; Digital Clinical Lead, City & Hackney, NIHR Advanced Clinical Academic Fellow, Senior Clinical Research Associate, University College London
Ufuoma Okpeahior – Digital Health Senior Project Manager, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHSFT
Maria Gaganova – MGM Creative Solutions Ltd – Digital Transformation Consultant
Kimberley Sharratt – Director of Operations at PX Healthcare
Jacinta Peers – Physiotherapist, Digital Health, Quality Improvement professional, Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau, New Zealand
Peter Bailey – Head of Digital, MyDentist

Launching the International Committee

In addition to strengthening its leadership, UKDHC has launched its International Committee to expand its global reach and facilitate cross-border learning. This committee brings together leaders from across the world, representing diverse perspectives in healthcare technology integration, digital strategy and patient-centred care. Its aim is to promote global best practices, foster international partnerships and ensure that UKDHC remains at the forefront of digital health innovation.

“The International Committee will be instrumental in broadening our horizons and fostering meaningful collaboration across borders. Digital health knows no boundaries, and by connecting with global leaders in this field, we can accelerate progress and improve care for everyone,” explains Prof. Wallace.

International Committee members:

Jan de Lange (Chair) – Creator Masterclass openEHR. openEHR International Education Program Board Member, The Netherlands
Dr Andreea Steriu – Lecturer in public health at UMF Carol Davila, Faculty of Medicine, Romania
Dr Zakiuddin Ahmed – CEO, Digital Care, Pakistan; and Director, Riphah Institute of Healthcare Improvement & Safety, Pakistan
Joyce Ogisi – Health Informatic Society Nigeria and a platinum member of Nigeria Red Cross

These developments mark an exciting new chapter for UKDHC as it continues to grow and expand its impact both within the UK and internationally. By combining strong local leadership with global collaboration, UKDHC is well-positioned to tackle the challenges of the future and continue shaping a more inclusive and innovative digital health landscape.