South West Connect Conference 2026
Description
South West Connect 2026
Sandy Park Conference Centre, Exeter (12 May)
The South West Connect Conference is a learning and development event and is the largest face to face event for the network. The conference brings together digital health and care colleagues from across the region.
The programme is designed as a chance for you to meet, network and connect with new and old colleagues, hearing from both regional and national leaders in digital health and care as well as case studies in best practice.
The conference is the largest face to face event for the network. It brings together 200+ digital health and care colleagues from across the region including CNIO, CCIO and digital transformation leads to network and connect and to hear from regional and national leaders in digital health and care as well as case studies in best practice.
The first wave of speakers have been confirmed:
Event co-chairs
We are pleased to confirm that Mel De Witt and Laura Whitmore will be chairing the conference this year. Mel will be introducing the morning sessions, and Laura will be facilatating the afternoon.
Workshop
Facilitator: Bernie Clarke
Topic: Being an Ally
We are pleased to be able to welcome back Bernie Clarke to this year's South West Connect Conference. Bernie will be leading a workshop which will focus on equality, diversity and inclusion within the digital healthcare profession, and will address the topic of Being an Ally.
Workshop
Facilitator: Renata Smolskyte
Topic: To be confirmed
Renata Smolskyte chairs the Digital & Transformational Leads (DTL) Special Interest Group, a community for DTLs working in Primary Care Networks across the South West. The group meets regularly to explore digital priorities, share challenges, and collaborate on common improvement areas. Renata will also be leading a workshop at this year’s Connect Conference. While the final topic is still being confirmed, the session will be highly relevant for Digital & Transformation Leads across the region.
Workshop
Facilitator: Christine Banks
Topic: Towards Excellence in Digital Technology Accreditation
Christine Banks heads up the National Digital Skills Development Network and will be delivering a session on the Digital Accreditation Programme.
Workshop
Facilitator: Lynne Avrell & Steve Roche
Topic: To be confirmed
The South West Digital Health & Care Skills Development Network also hosts a thriving Clinical Safety Officer (CSO) Special Interest Group, co‑chaired by Lynne Avrell and Stephen Roche. The group meets every six weeks to discuss local issues, emerging risks, and hot topics in clinical safety. At the 2026 Connect Conference, the CSO group will host two special sessions with a focus on AI and clinical safety, reflecting the rapid growth of AI‑enabled tools and their implications for operational and clinical practice.
South West Snapshot Sessions
We are delighted to introduce the first South West Snapshot of 2026 — a series of short, engaging case studies showcasing the innovative and successful digital initiatives happening across our region.
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Our opening Snapshot will be delivered by Claudia Brown, Smart Buildings Solutions Architect at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. Claudia will be presenting the Trust’s pioneering Smart Ward Project, currently being rolled out across Healthcare of the Elderly and Paediatrics.
This transformative project focuses on developing smarter, more dynamic healthcare environments that enhance patient recovery and improve staff safety. By integrating intelligent building technologies and responsive ward design, the programme is helping clinicians deliver safer, more efficient care while supporting a better experience for patients and families.
Royal United Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Our second snapshot will be run by James Scott, who has been working in area of 'homegrown' app development within the area of hospital pharmacy. Ranging from solutions for ordering medicines to quality management systems and portals for managing staff revalidation.
Cancellation policy
The South West Digital Health and Social Care Skills Development Network are providing this event free of charge, by completing this registration, you hereby agree to the following:
Failure to attend will result in you being charged a fee of £48.50. A late cancellation fee of £48.50 will apply to ticket holders who cancel within 5 days of the event start date.