Digital Health Summer Schools 2026 full programme published

Digital Health has published the full Summer Schools 2026 programme, featuring some of the NHS’s most influential digital leaders, sharing the strategies and experiences shaping the future of health and care. 

The conference, which takes place on 16-17 July at the University of Nottingham, has a revamped format which doubles down on small-group and interactive sessions to provide attendees with more practical insights and deeper knowledge exchange.

The CPD-accredited programme will include peer knowledge exchange and practical leadership sessions for attendees.

Highlights on day one include three must-see sessions:

• Power, influence and accountability: how not to suck as a digital leader in 2026
• AI is now the top risk to patient safety: what can organisations and patients do to protect themselves?
• Measuring what is meaningful: how do we effectively evaluate digital change?

An unmissable panel session – ‘One year on from the 10 year health plan: where are we and what’s next?’ will also take place on day two, featuring Salma Yasmeen, chief executive at Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust.

She will be joined by Dr Masoon Nazir, medical director for integrated care at NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, and Dr Penny Kechagioglou, chair of the CCIO Networks Advisory Panel and CCIO at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.

The full Summer Schools 2026 programme is available to view here.

Kechagioglou said: “Digital Health Summer Schools is an inspiring community where digital leaders and healthcare professionals can connect, exchange knowledge and discuss innovation opportunities.

“As with every year, we have an excellent line up of speakers this year, from NHS England to trust executives and senior digital leaders and of course, our Networks Advisory panels.

“I am really proud to participate in the panel discussing how we have progressed the priorities in the NHS 10 year health plan.”

Hayley Grafton, chair of the Chief Nursing Information Officer (CNIO) Advisory Panel and group CNIO at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group said Summer Schools “continues to be one of the most valuable opportunities for current and aspiring digital health leaders to learn, connect and be inspired”.

“The 2026 programme brings together an outstanding range of speakers, practical learning sessions and real-world experiences from across health and care, reflecting both the opportunities and challenges facing our sector.

“At a time when digital transformation is central to the future of healthcare, investing in people has never been more important.

“Summer Schools provides a unique environment where clinical, operational and digital leaders can come together to share knowledge, build networks and develop the skills needed to lead and be the change.

“I’m particularly looking forward to reconnecting with friends and colleagues from across the digital health community, making new connections,” she added.

The social programme includes a pre-event BBQ and middle-night dinner, where the winners of the Digital Health Awards will be revealed and the top-ranking person of the inaugural Digital Health Impact List will be honoured.

The premier learning and networking event for digital health leaders is exclusively for members of the Digital Health Networks, the UK’s largest health IT community, and is open to current and aspiring digital health leaders.

The event is supported by Networks sponsors AWS, Better, CereCore, Dell Technologies/AMD, InterSystems, Microsoft, Nervecentre, Optum Emis, Salesforce and System C.

Attend Summer Schools to gain CPD points towards your professional registration. Places are limited, so secure your place today and register here.