Neil Staniforth, Jonathan, Rob, John Raynor and Bans Shah (HIMMS), Louise and Keith Redmond

CHFT has been awarded a major digital accreditation, showing we are one of the most digitally advanced organisations in the NHS and Europe.

Last week, we achieved HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society) Stage 6 for:

  • EMRAM – how well we use our electronic patient record
  • INFRAM – the strength and reliability of our digital and IT infrastructure
  • Alongside our existing AMAM – our advanced use of data and analytics

HIMSS is an international organisation that measures how well healthcare providers use digital technology to improve care. Stage 7 is the highest level of accreditation. Stage 6 is a major sign of excellence usually reached only by a small number of healthcare facilities worldwide and shows that CHFT is using digital tools in a safe, modern, and effective way.

This remarkable achievement places CHFT among the top five digitally mature organisations across Europe, and we’re the only NHS Trust in Europe to achieve it. It demonstrates excellence in infrastructure resilience, electronic patient record adoption, and advanced data analytics capability. These Stage 6 validations collectively demonstrate the Trust’s commitment to using digital innovation to strengthen quality, safety, and clinical effectiveness.

The three modules the team looked at were:

  • EMRAM reflects strong clinical decision support, closed‑loop medication processes, and digitally enabled workflows that enhance patient safety and reduce variation in care.
  • INFRAM recognises the Trust’s secure, resilient technology environment - ensuring high availability, cybersecurity robustness, and reliable performance to support safe delivery of clinical services.
  • AMAM highlights the Trust’s advanced use of analytics to drive quality improvement, identify unwarranted variation, support population health, and enable proactive, data‑driven patient safety interventions.

Together, they underscore a digitally mature network where data, systems, and infrastructure work seamlessly to enable safer, more consistent, and more responsive patient care. This milestone has been made possible thanks to the teamwork and dedication of teams across CHFT, including:

  • Clinical and operational colleagues who have embraced digital tools and championed safer, digitally supported care
  • Digital, IT, Cyber Security, and Network teams whose expertise underpins the Trust’s resilient, high‑performing infrastructure
  • Information Governance, Business Intelligence, and Data Science teams who ensure compliant, high‑quality data is used to improve outcomes and support patient safety
  • Transformation, Programme, and Operational teams who have driven adoption and embedded digital innovation into day‑to‑day care delivery
  • Executive leadership whose strategic vision and commitment to digital transformation has enabled this success over the last 10 years.
  • Industry and regional partners, whose support and collaboration have been essential

Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO), Rob Birkett, said: “This is a fantastic achievement, only made possible by the commitment and positive approach of colleagues across the whole Trust. This Stage 6 accreditation across all three core standards gives assurance that we are using Digital, Data and Technology to support, enable and transform how we deliver patient care. It focused on how we use digital to support quality improvement, reduce risk and enhance safety.

“The assessors visited wards and departments across the whole trust and were extremely positive about what they saw and the people they met. This has been an amazing experience, hard work, innovative thinking and commitment by all those involved has resulted in CHFT becoming the first Trust in Europe to achieve all three standards at Stage 6.”

Chief Clinical Information Officer (CCIO), Jonathan Cowley, said: “Securing HIMSS Level 6 over two days is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our teams across clinical, digital, and operational domains. Alongside our AMAM Level 6 status, it confirms that we have built a robust, intelligent digital foundation that supports safer care, better decisions, and a more connected experience for patients and staff”

And Rotational Physiotherapist, Kaiten Patel, added: “Digital tools play a crucial role in my work.  Instant access to patient notes, imaging with AI reporting, and clinical information helps me make faster, safer decisions at the point of care. Using Dragon Medical One has streamlined documentation, improved real‑time clinical reflection whilst noted recording, and freed up more time to focus directly on patients rather than administrative tasks. 

“I find that digital systems also strengthen continuity across teams. Everyone works from the same up‑to‑date information, supporting clearer communication and more personalised, coordinated rehabilitation for patients.”

Looking ahead

While achieving HIMSS Stage 6 across INFRAM, EMRAM, and AMAM is a significant accomplishment, the Trust remains committed to continuous improvement with a new 5 year digital strategy (2025-30). Building on this strong foundation, the Trust will continue to enhance digital capabilities, improve clinical workflows, and reinforce patient safety as it works towards HIMSS Stage 7 and further digital innovation.