South Yorkshire Integrated Care System has launched a coordinated set of three digital strategies designed to modernise services, strengthen cyber resilience, and ensure the workforce is equipped to deliver safe, connected, and effective care.
The programme brings together the new Cyber Strategy, the Digital Transformation Strategy, and the Digital Workforce and Skills Strategy. Developed collaboratively by NHS organisations, local authorities, primary care, social care, and system partners, the strategies set out a shared vision for secure, inclusive, and future ready digital services across the region.
Dr David Crichton, Chief Medical Officer at NHS South Yorkshire and local GP, said, “Cyber security is not just a technical issue, it is a clinical and operational priority. This strategy sets out how we, as a system, will work together to protect our services, our staff, and our patients.”
The Cyber Strategy, titled Defend As One, is South Yorkshire’s response to the growing risks facing an increasingly digital health and care system. It focuses on improving resilience, strengthening threat detection, and enhancing emergency preparedness across all partners. Key elements include a new regional cyber portal, shared monitoring and threat detection tools, converged security solutions, and the Human Firewall campaign to raise staff awareness and encourage good cyber hygiene.
Alongside this, the Digital Transformation Strategy outlines how digital foundations across South Yorkshire will be strengthened. It responds to national direction to prioritise the shift from analogue to digital, while reflecting feedback gathered from local staff and communities. Priorities include improving digital access and usability, strengthening information sharing through the Shared Care Record, supporting digital inclusion so no one is left behind, and modernising digital infrastructure across health and social care.
Dr David Crichton added, “This strategy is about getting the basics right so our population and workforce can benefit from safe, secure and modern digital services. Our work is grounded in what people told us they need, clearer access routes, joined up information, and support where digital is a barrier. This strategy moves us forward together as one system.”
Recognising that digital transformation depends on people, the Digital Workforce and Skills Strategy focuses on building a confident and capable workforce. It sets out plans to recruit and retain specialist digital talent, develop new partnerships with education providers, and support all staff to build the skills and confidence needed to use digital tools effectively and safely.
Dr Kieran Baker, Chief Digital Officer at NHS South Yorkshire, said, “This strategy is about people, not just technology. As we shift from analogue to digital ways of working, every member of staff across health and care needs the right skills, confidence, and support to deliver modern, connected care. This strategy will help us grow and retain the talent we need while ensuring everyone can thrive in a digital environment.”
Together, the three strategies align with the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Strategy and national NHS priorities. By sharing expertise, adopting common standards, and working collaboratively, partners aim to improve outcomes, support staff, and deliver better value for money while protecting essential services.
Further information about South Yorkshire’s digital strategies is available at syics.co.uk/digital-strategies