Reflecting on my journey in healthcare and digital health, I’m amazed by how far things have come since joining NHS Forth Valley in 2012 as a clerical officer in health records. Healthcare always felt like home, inspired by my mother’s dedication as the Administration Manager for the Women and Children’s unit. Early roles in perinatal care provided deep insight into maternity services, from Maternity Ultrasound to Neonatal and Paediatrics. Working on the Pre-Booking Line which was our first point of contact for newly expectant mothers, I introduced a discreet email self-referral form for expectant mothers, which significantly improved accessibility and privacy, marking my first foray into digital healthcare and project management without initially realising it!
Discovering Digital Health Transformation
In January 2016, I transitioned to Digital as an eHealth Project Officer, handling projects like SCI Gateway, SCI Store, and JAC HePMA. The transformative moment came with my involvement in the BadgerNet project, leveraging my maternity care background to implement this system in 2017. The challenges were immense, but seeing its positive impact on maternity care solidified my passion for digital transformation. This experience propelled me toward senior roles in Technology Enabled Care, where I spearheaded innovative initiatives like Florence Home and Health Monitoring, Attend Anywhere and collaborated on cutting-edge projects with Strathclyde University.
By April 2019, I joined Clevermed, first in Service Delivery and then Project Management, overseeing diverse maternity, neonatal, and interface projects. Following Clevermed’s acquisition by System C, I took on a leadership role to align processes across three companies, enhancing strategic efficiency. These roles honed my ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and ensure digital solutions meet healthcare’s evolving needs. Each step reinforced my commitment to improving patient outcomes through technology.
A New Chapter with Apira
In October 2024, I began a new chapter as a Managing Consultant at Apira, leading their Maternity and Neonatal practice. This role feels like the culmination of my career journey, combining my technical expertise and passion for compassionate care. At Apira, I aim to drive meaningful digital transformation in maternity and neonatal services, creating systems that empower healthcare professionals and support families during critical moments. My work is fueledfuelled by a personal connection, knowing how much impact these solutions have on mothers, babies, and staff.
Adding a new layer of motivation, I’m expecting my first child in February 2025. This personal milestone reinforces my commitment to designing empathetic, functional digital health solutions. My career has always been about building toward this moment—transforming care through technology and compassion. At Apira, I’m eager to continue shaping innovative, efficient, and supportive maternity and neonatal services, ensuring families and professionals can thrive.
