Movers and shakers in July include a new and potentially ground-breaking head of clinical artificial intelligence (AI) role in Bradford and a new industry co-chair for INTEROPen.

Dr Tom Lawton has been appointed inaugural head of clinical artificial intelligence (AI) at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The new role is believed to be a first for the NHS.

A consultant in critical care and anaesthesia, Dr Lawton will be responsible for helping the trust unlock the potential of AI in the safest and most effective way.

He said it was vital clinicians had a greater say in identifying how AI could meet the specific needs of frontline services.

Dr Lawton said: ““AI is emerging as a global trend across every sector and all professions, and the way it transforms our own healthcare landscape will only gather pace.

“This new role will see me acting as a much-needed link between the innovators in the AI labs across the world, home-grown digital talent in the universities of Bradford, Leeds and York, and our own clinicians.

“Their expertise and first-hand insight is pivotal to making the most of the opportunities in front of us.”

David Hancock has been elected as the industry co-chair for INTEROPen.

The healthcare executive advisor at InterSystems said he hoped to serve the community.

INTEROPen is an organisation that promotes interoperability and open standards in health and social care.

Hancock said: “”I hope to serve you well and promote true co-production and partnership in the definition, implementation and adoption of interoperability standards.”

David Clayton-Smith has been appointed independent chair of the Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care System (BOB ICS).

Clayton-Smith is currently the independent chair of the Epsom and St Helier Improving Healthcare Together 2020-30 board and the chair of the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Academic Health Sciences Network (AHSN).

David said: “I am committed to ensuring that partnership working continues to be a strong theme throughout the work of the ICS. I am looking forward to the opportunity to play my part in helping to achieve the BOB ICS ambition and vision for the communities we serve.”

Zesty has announced Professor Martin Severs has been appointed its chief medical officer.

He previously served as chief medical officer at NHS Digital, from March 2014 to February 2019

He said: “I am looking forward to helping the Zesty team evolve their patient portal into a market leading personal health record where the patient has genuine control and can contribute to their care and well being.”

Natalie Douglas has been appointed a non-executive for Healthcare data analytics company Draper & Dash.

She will play a part in defining how pharmaceutical companies interact with healthcare systems and professionals in the future.

Douglas said: “We need to rethink how healthcare is delivered, not just in the NHS but in every system around the world. Powerful data analytics will be at the forefront of this change and Draper & Dash is already demonstrating the potential that exists.

“By embracing this technology, decision makers are more informed and empowered to drive better results and efficiencies.

“New ways of partnering with pharmaceutical companies are essential if we are to address the affordability and cost issues that dominate most healthcare delivery models. Being creative with technology and using alternative compensation methods, outcome-based payments for example, will be the foundation for the next stage of healthcare development.”