Reflections from HETT 2025: A Shared Vision for Digitally Enabled Health and Care

HETT 2025 has just wrapped! This year’s show marked the first major opportunity for health and care professionals to discuss the NHS 10-Year Plan and the future of digitally enabled services.

With workforce pressures mounting and integrated care a growing priority, the event emphasised the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. Clinicians, NHS leaders, tech innovators, and other sector specialists came together to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and develop practical solutions to improve patient outcomes.

“I think spaces like this are so important to bring together the private sector and the public sector, to create something that is actually valuable to patients as opposed to feeling like we’re working against each other.”

Tulsi Patel, Director of Product at Hertility.

This theme of cross-sector collaboration was echoed throughout the show.

"The sort of things that are mentioned with the 10-Year Plan… [they] are only really feasible with diverse partnerships.”

Stephen Armstrong, Head of Product, British Heart Foundation

Many of the discussions that took place at HETT 2025 focused on the move from analogue to digital processes. This was explored in depth at the new NHS Records Management theatre, a purpose-built space for debating the transition to fully integrated electronic systems.

In one session, panellists explored the practical challenges of digitising decades of paper records, highlighting the need for experienced partners and the right technology to handle fragile and inconsistent documents.

Speakers emphasised that digitisation is about more than freeing physical space – it also improves efficiency for staff, enables patient access, and unlocks data for research and healthcare planning.

Case studies shared included borough-wide efforts to digitise GP records, demonstrating how creative use of funding and processes can overcome historical underinvestment in digital infrastructure.

As well as a move to fully digital patient records, the 10-Year Plan also set a clear ambition to shift from a system built on treating sickness to one that prioritises prevention. This theme resonated across the programme, with delegates calling for radical change in how healthcare engages and supports communities.

In one session, speakers explored practical ways to embed prevention into everyday care. They underscored the importance of meeting people where they are and using trusted relationships to drive early interventions.

The discussion also acknowledged the challenge of measuring the impact of prevention, given that benefits often take years to materialise. “Prevention is hard… it takes a different mindset,” one panellist said. “Investing in prevention now may deliver outcomes in five or ten years, but that might reduce the number of people living with heart or kidney disease in the future.”

Alongside featured presentations, HETT 2025 introduced a brand-new Roundtable Area, created to encourage open, participant-led conversations.

One standout session, ‘Leading with Compassion: Supporting Women’s Health in the Workplace through Digital Innovation,’ provided attendees with actionable strategies to promote greater inclusivity across healthcare.

Tulsi Patel, chair of the session, commented, "I think round table settings are really great when discussing topics that are a little controversial. People feel more comfortable sharing anecdotes and personal experiences, rather than speaking in a large public forum."

She added that this format is particularly apt for women’s health, where many have had negative experiences. "It’s so important to create a safe space where they feel they can openly share."

Women’s health was a big theme at this year’s show, with multiple sessions providing opportunities for attendees to explore what matters most in this space. Speakers stressed the importance of being data-led, ensuring solutions are built around the needs of women rather than assumptions.

Another big talking point was AI, running across all theatres and highlighted in a dedicated AI Spotlight. Sessions went beyond theory. They showed how advanced technologies can be applied in clinical care and sparked conversations about linking different aspects of health to offer more holistic, personalised support.

But as reliance on digital technologies grows, so does the need to safeguard patient data and healthcare systems. These concerns were not just discussed in panels and keynote talks; they were also apparent on the showroom floor, where exhibitors demonstrated implementable solutions to enhance digital security and patient safety.

“Cybersecurity in general is becoming a board-level problem… and unfortunately, the NHS and the healthcare sector in particular are being targeted more and more by bad actors, nation states, and so on. It’s something that needs to be addressed and is becoming a bigger issue. Armis is one of the many companies helping to better equip the NHS and support their cyber resilience journey.”

Armis, Exhibitor

Another company specialising in digital security is Synology, which took to the floor to showcase its PAS Series enterprise storage platform, designed for high performance, scalability, and reliability in managing mission-critical healthcare data. Alongside this, they highlighted ActiveProtect, a centralised backup and rapid recovery solution to safeguard patient information.

“We’re seeing healthcare organisations face increasing demands around data protection, compliance, and accessibility from electronic health records to imaging data and AI-driven diagnostics. Our participation at HETT reflects our commitment to helping healthcare organisations strengthen their cybersecurity posture and ensure business continuity.”

Synology, Exhibitor

Alongside cybersecurity and other major themes, patient safety stood out as a central focus – it was ultimately the shared goal driving everyone at the show. Many attendees called attention to the value of being in a space where they could learn from others and exchange ideas.

Peter Whawell, CEO at Poxximos, noted the importance of these conversations, explaining that the most valuable discussions happen when people are in “genuine learning mode, looking for what’s happening” and open to hearing different perspectives.

Even beyond the formal programme, they had the chance to continue conversations and forge connections that will strengthen the healthcare sector in the year ahead.

"A Networking Drinks Party was the perfect way to round off Day One of HETT – a real celebration of connection, collaboration and community. From the moment the music started, thanks to incredible DJ sets from Gary McAllister and Lord James Bethell, the energy was electric. It was fantastic to see hundreds of attendees enjoying themselves, making new connections and sharing ideas well into the evening. It truly captured the spirit of HETT – where health and care innovation meets human connection."

Rikki Bhachu, Head of Marketing, HETT

By the end of the two days, HETT had once again demonstrated the power of collaboration, leaving participants inspired and looking forward to what’s next.

“I would say it’s been an absolute success… [HETT 2025] has surpassed our expectations, and the value for money has been proven."

Chris Hauge, Director of Digital Solutions, Digital Modus

Don't miss next year's show taking place on 29th - 30th September 2026. Click below to register your interest.