Bob Childe: Insights from 36 Years in NHS Health Tech

Veteran digital imaging leader Bob Childe (Philips, Soliton IT, AXREM) shares hard won lessons from leading NHS digital transformation. From the transition from film to digital in NHS trusts under NPfIT, to the ongoing challenges around procurement, leadership, and AI adoption, Bob offers unmatched insider insights.Key takeaways:How every English NHS trust went fully digital in three years under NPfIT​Why the Richards Report's imaging networks stalled despite top-level approvalPersistent organisational silos hindering trust collaboration and slowing progressLeadership lessons like respect everyone, from cleaner to directorWhat to look for when hiring and nurturing health tech talent​Bold ideas for central NHS delivery teams to streamline tech rollout. Bob shares his journey from credit control and local sports clubs to leading digital change, the risks of inaction, and the advice he would give his younger self. This episode is essential listening for NHS radiology managers, health tech suppliers, procurement professionals and AI innovators seeking to understand why progress is slow and what can break the cycle. ​