CHFT has launched a new three-year digital innovation programme, designed to help colleagues save time and release more time to care for patients.

The programme, called TIME, stands for Transform, Improve, Maximise and Enable. It will explore how the Trust can make greater use of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and intelligent automation, to support colleagues in their day-to-day work.

Launched in March, the programme is a long-term programme of work aligned with CHFT values and the Trust’s approach to improvement. It aims to accelerate the safe and effective use of digital innovation across the organisation, building on the strong digital foundations already in place at CHFT.

The TIME Programme Board is jointly led by Deputy Chief Executive, Jonny Hammond, and Chief Digital and Information Officer, Rob Birkett. It includes representation from colleagues across the Trust, ensuring a wide range of perspectives and expertise help shape the programme.

The first phase of the programme will focus on generating ideas from colleagues, developing governance and policies, and creating guidance and education to help us all use new technologies safely and confidently.

The programme sits alongside a separate artificial intelligence governance and ethics committee, which will provide oversight and support the safe, responsible use of AI technologies within the Trust.

As part of the next stage of the programme, the Board is seeking to prioritise five initial ideas to pilot within the Trust. Colleagues are invited to share their insight and experiences of AI and digital innovation to help shape the programme’s priorities through a Microsoft Form.

The TIME Programme has also produced a new guide to Microsoft Copilot to help colleagues safely navigate the technology in the workplace and understand how it can support their work. You can read this in the attachments below. 

The Trust is already seeing positive results from digital innovation pilots. This includes the current trial of Microsoft Dragon Copilot in the Emergency Department at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Cardiology Outpatients at Calderdale Royal Hospital, where ambient voice technology is helping clinicians spend more time listening to patients and less time on administration.

Recording appraisals in ESR has also recently been made easier with a new automated process.

Jonny Hammond said: “TIME is about using digital innovation to support our colleagues and improve care for our patients. Technology such as AI and intelligent automation has huge potential to reduce administrative burden, streamline processes, and give colleagues more time to focus on what matters most, caring for patients.

“This programme is not about replacing people. It is about supporting our teams, helping them work more effectively, and creating more time for compassionate, high-quality care.

“We know colleagues across CHFT already have brilliant ideas about how digital technology could improve the way we work. Through TIME, we want to create the right environment, guidance, and support to help turn those ideas into meaningful improvements across the Trust.”

Two drop-in engagement sessions are planned for July, open to all colleagues, offering an opportunity to get involved and share ideas. Both sessions will include an update on the TIME programme, as well as information on how to contribute ideas and an overview of the supporting framework. The sessions will take place on:

• Monday 13 July, 4.30 to 6pm in the Boardroom at HRI
• Thursday 23 July, 4.30 to 6pm in the Ingleton Falls Restaurant at CRH

For more information about TIME, visit the programme's intranet page.