Listen "Ep 23 – Back with a Bang: AI, Governance & the Shifting Sands of NHS Reform with Dr Keith Grimes"
Episode Synopsis
Hello and welcome back to The Only Way is Ethics – the podcast where we pull back the curtain on digital health, clinical safety, and the complex web of governance, regulation, and innovation shaping healthcare today. I’m your host, Dean Mawson – Clinical Safety Officer, digital health consultant, and founder of DPM Digital Health Consultancy.We’ve had a bit of a break over the last few months – a mix of summer holidays, seasonal bugs, and the general chaos life throws our way – but we’re back, refreshed, and raring to go with some powerful conversations lined up. And what a way to return!Joining me for this long-awaited episode is none other than Dr Keith Grimes, Founder of Curistica, a GP by background, and a long-standing leader in clinical innovation, digital health, and AI in healthcare. Keith is well known for his razor-sharp insights into how we responsibly deploy emerging technologies, and together with Dr Haris Shuaib, he recently co-authored a must-read paper on generative AI in healthcare.In this episode, Keith and I dive into some of the most pressing and frankly unsettling developments in the NHS and digital health landscape:The abolishment of NHS England and the increasing burden on ICBs – what does this restructuring mean for digital transformation and where is the leadership coming from?The 10-year plan, once again being reimagined under political pressure – are we stuck in a cycle of ambition without action?The glaring lack of digital health clarity in ICB reform – a gap that leaves governance and procurement dangerously exposed, especially in primary and social care.The DCB0129/0160 revisions and public consultation – what’s changing, and will it drive real improvement or just more paperwork?Then we pivot to AI – where Keith’s expertise shines:Why are we still ignoring the low-hanging fruit like admin automation in favour of high-risk AI decision support?What can CSOs do to rigorously assess AI systems and is it time we introduced a dedicated AI Safety Lead?And a little provocation from Dr Saif Abed: are NHS patients becoming guinea pigs in the rush to deploy AI?This one’s packed with insight, reflection, and just the right amount of provocation to get us thinking about where digital health is really heading.So grab your headphones – The Only Way is Ethics is back.This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal health advice.We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice.The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.
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