Reflections from Rewired 2025

If there’s one message that echoed across Rewired 2025, it’s this: before digital transformation can succeed, the basics need to be right.

That might sound simple, but in a climate of shifting structures, tighter budgets, and growing demand, it’s anything but. Across panels, keynotes, and informal conversations, it was clear the digital health community is ready to meet these challenges, but only if we take a collective, considered approach.

Our Managing Directors of Consulting and Recruitment Krishna Gandham and James Leslie-Smith attended the event last week and were genuinely inspired by the conversations happening on the ground. The atmosphere felt purposeful and pragmatic, with a strong focus on working together to deliver meaningful change.

Here are a few reflections from the day:

Back to basics
Digital transformation starts with the fundamentals. That means making sure the right processes, people and planning are in place before new systems are introduced. Without a clear foundation, technology can often create more complexity than it solves.

Collaboration across Trusts
There’s growing momentum around provider collaboratives and cross-Trust delivery. Sessions led by speakers such as Will Monahan and Hayley Grafton highlighted the potential for more efficient, joined-up approaches as well as reinforcing the need for structure, shared priorities and accountability to make it work.

Doing more with less
With financial and workforce pressures continuing, the focus for many organisations has shifted to delivering smarter, not just faster. That includes stepping back to look at the bigger picture, prioritising the right programmes of work, and building capacity in the right places.

Open, constructive dialogue
One of the most valuable parts of the event was seeing people from across the sector openly share ideas, challenges and ways of working. That level of openness will be essential in delivering sustainable progress.

If these themes resonate with what you’re working on, and you’d like to continue the conversation, Keystream can support with interim talent and delivery across digital programmes.