NHS England’s chief digital officer Juliet Bauer is leaving the organisation to join the private sector.
Swedish based digital healthcare company Livi has confirmed she will join it from April in a global product role, working with health services around the world on the transformation of primary care.
The company, which claims to be Europe’s largest online provider of video GP consultations, launched in the UK last October. It is already partnering with the NICS GP Federation of North West Surrey on digital consultations as part of the group’s Extended Access programme.
Bauer (pictured) has spent two and half years in the NHS England role, during which she has been responsible for projects including the development of the NHS App and NHS App Library.
According to a report in HSJ, she is leaving immediately and is being replaced on an interim basis by Tara Dannelly, currently chief executive of the Health Innovation Network.
Bauer commented: “I am delighted to be joining Livi at such an exciting time for digital health. Technology has the power to deliver a step change in clinical care and patient experience. I am looking forward to helping Livi expand their outstanding service to deliver on the NHS Long Term Plan, as well as supporting their growth globally”.
Luke Buhl-Nielsen, country director of Livi UK, said: “We are incredibly excited to have Juliet join the Livi team. Her unrivalled experience within NHS England and the wider health and social care digital transformation programme during a period of unprecedented change is invaluable as we work alongside the health service to deliver a digital vision for primary care and transform outcomes for patients everywhere”.
The news has come just days after the publication of the NHS Long Term Plan, which includes a heavy emphasis on increasing the use of digital technology and reducing the number of face-to-face appointments in primary care.
