First keynote speakers announced for Digital Health Rewired 2026

Jonathan Brotherton, chief executive at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, and Rachel Power, chief executive at The Patients Association, are the first keynote speakers to be announced for Digital Health Rewired 2026.

The pair will provide invaluable insights from their experiences in leading digital initiatives for safer care and improved patient outcomes.

Digital Health Rewired, the biggest trade show connecting all parts of the UK health IT sector and digital health community, returns for 2026 with new stages, new show features and an expanded exhibition area.

The show, taking place on 24-25 March 2026 at the NEC in Birmingham, connects health care providers and planners, researchers, academics, established industry leaders, suppliers, start-ups and patients interested in how digital tools can improve healthcare.

The event will expand its focus of AI and data with twin stages exploring all aspects of use of AI and data across health and care.

New for 2026 are:

• AI – as this generational technology starts to scale across the NHS, discover how pioneers are using AI to support clinical and management teams, with case studies and panel discussions.
• Digital and Data – with sessions focused on the use of data for research, information sharing, AI enablement and user-centred clinical software.
• Digital Frontline – exploring how multidisciplinary and clinical teams, including representatives from nursing, midwifery, AHPs and pharmacy, are mobilising digital to support a strained workforce in high-pressure environments.
• EPR Implementation and Optimisation – sponsor and NHS 40-minute case study sessions that take a closer look into lessons learnt from implementation journeys towards benefits measurement.

Returning popular stages are:

• Digital Transformation
• Integrated Care
• AI
• Cyber and Infrastructure
• Digital Leadership

Best Practice Showcase will host presentations from NHS organisations and partners on delivering digital programmes benefitting staff, patients and carers.

Key themes include imaging, software, apps, analytics/reporting, communications, efficiency, productivity, innovation, plus examples from international health systems.

Pitchfest, the UK’s most popular digital health start-up competition returns where entrepreneurs will pitch their idea or solution in front of NHS leaders, VCs and accelerator representatives for a chance to win support to scale their innovation across the NHS.

Rewired 2026 headline sponsors are The Access Group and Optum, who also sponsor the Integrated Care and Digital Transformation stages respectively.

Karl Grundy, managing director at Digital Health, said “With the NHS committed to moving decisively from analogue to digital Rewired will showcase what this means in practice.

“The exhibition and programme will enable attendees to explore the twin left shifts of the 10-year plan: from hospital to community; and from sickness to prevention.”

Registration is free for NHS, public sector, charities and education. Start-up tickets are £149 and commercial suppliers £769.

Register here.

Suppliers interested in participating at the show are invited to attend an upcoming webinar on 25 June 2025 to learn more about speaking opportunities, audience breakdown and sponsorship and exhibition options.