John MurrayProgramme Manager < Return to team John Murray Programme Manager John Murray is a contracted Programme Manager, supporting the work of the Rural Centre of Excellence (RCE) for digital health and care innovation in the Moray region. He is project managing the RCE LL1 (supported self-management) and RCE LL2 (long-term condition management) R&D demonstration projects and opportunity development flowing from this. John is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in programme and project management, research, development, and innovation. He has a diverse work background spanning roles at DHI, National Services Scotland, the Centre for Sustainable Delivery, consultancy, private sector and university R&D, university commercialisation, economic development, and company start-ups. His career goal is to help realise person-centred benefits and new capabilities through R&D change management. With his strong technical expertise, project leadership skills, and innovation-driven mindset, John is well-positioned to help DHI drive transformative initiatives and deliver impactful results. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

Professor Gordon HushBoard Member (Glasgow School of Art) < Return to team Professor Gordon Hush Board Member (Glasgow School of Art) Gordon is Head of the Innovation School at Glasgow School of Art. He has led the Product Design department at GSA since 2007 and helped steer the emergence of Design Innovation as a subject of academic study at Masters level incorporating Service Design, Citizenship, Environmental Design and, with the University of Glasgow, International Management. Gordon is a Sociologist, with an interest in the way that design and innovation impact social change, and the means that designers have at their disposal to work with others to make such change tangible, testable and desirable. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

In January 2024, DHI was commissioned by the Scottish Government to develop a Care and Wellbeing Innovation Portfolio, focusing, in particular, on social care innovation. Through engagement with over 20 national organizations, DHI identified key priorities for scaling digital innovation in social care and to lever research and innovation opportunities. The findings emphasise the need for a supportive infrastructure, an innovation pathway, a framework for evaluating impacts, and alignment of ongoing projects. The report outlines steps to advance digital social care innovation across Scotland and shares insight on creating the conditions to foster social care innovation and collaboration across sectors. < Return to resources Digital Innovation in Social Care : Priorities and Opportunities for Scotland Whoriskey, Margaret and Raman, Sneha and Kunte, Aarya and McIntyre, Don In January 2024, DHI was commissioned by the Scottish Government to develop a Care and Wellbeing Innovation Portfolio, focusing, in particular, on social care innovation. Through engagement with over 20 national organizations, DHI identified key priorities for scaling digital innovation in social care and to lever research and innovation opportunities. The findings emphasise the need for a supportive infrastructure, an innovation pathway, a framework for evaluating impacts, and alignment of ongoing projects. The report outlines steps to advance digital social care innovation across Scotland and shares insight on creating the conditions to foster social care innovation and collaboration across sectors. View resource Previous item Next item Digital Innovation in Social Care : Priorities and Opportunities for Scotland Report 2025 Start Now

This report presents a review of relevant Scottish and UK strategies, policies, frameworks, and action plans (2019-2021) to form a strategic case of support for DHI’s efforts to facilitate the development of digitally skilled workforce in Scotland. < Return to resources Mapping Policies Relating to the Digital Transformation of Health and Care Sector and the Associated Workforce Skills and Capabilities in Scotland and the UK Morrison, C., Rimpiläinen, S. & Thomas, J. This report presents a review of relevant Scottish and UK strategies, policies, frameworks, and action plans (2019-2021) to form a strategic case of support for DHI’s efforts to facilitate the development of digitally skilled workforce in Scotland. View resource Previous item Next item Mapping Policies Relating to the Digital Transformation of Health and Care Sector and the Associated Workforce Skills and Capabilities in Scotland and the UK Report 2021 Start Now

This report offers a snapshot of various technologies utilized or in development for COVID-19 surveillance as of early April 2020, with detailed descriptions of select apps worldwide. As the situation evolves rapidly, the report acknowledges that developments may have progressed further by the time of publication. < Return to resources Global Examples of COVID-19 Surveillance Technologies Flash Report Rimpiläinen, Sanna and Thomas, Jennifer and Morrison, Ciarán This report offers a snapshot of various technologies utilized or in development for COVID-19 surveillance as of early April 2020, with detailed descriptions of select apps worldwide. As the situation evolves rapidly, the report acknowledges that developments may have progressed further by the time of publication. View resource Previous item Next item Global Examples of COVID-19 Surveillance Technologies Flash Report Report 2020 Start Now

This Annual Report from Scotland's Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre (DHI), marks the first year of the DHIs integration into the Scottish Funding Council’s infrastructure investment portfolio. This has been a transformative period for DHI—one defined by renewed strategic alignment, strengthened partnerships, and a reinvigorated commitment to delivering impact across Scotland’s health and care ecosystem aligned with Scottish Governments key objectives. Over the past twelve months, we have reasserted our role as a key enabler of innovation, working closely with government, academia, industry, and the third sector to shape and deliver demand-led solutions. < Return to resources Annual Report - Year 1 Infrastructure Investment : August 2024 to July 2025 Hughes, Janette This Annual Report from Scotland's Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre (DHI), marks the first year of the DHIs integration into the Scottish Funding Council’s infrastructure investment portfolio. This has been a transformative period for DHI—one defined by renewed strategic alignment, strengthened partnerships, and a reinvigorated commitment to delivering impact across Scotland’s health and care ecosystem aligned with Scottish Governments key objectives. Over the past twelve months, we have reasserted our role as a key enabler of innovation, working closely with government, academia, industry, and the third sector to shape and deliver demand-led solutions. View resource Previous item Next item Annual Report - Year 1 Infrastructure Investment : August 2024 to July 2025 Executive summary 2025 Start Now

Yazmin CaceresProject Management & Technology Coordinator < Return to team Yazmin Caceres Project Management & Technology Coordinator Yazmin brings over 12 years of experience in primary healthcare and public health leadership in Chile, alongside an MSc in Digital Health Systems from the University of Strathclyde. She has focused on digital health implementations, community health programmes, and user-centred service redesigns that improved patient access and outcomes. Her vision at DHI is to bridge innovation and real-world health needs by mapping Scotland’s health and care innovation ecosystem, making resources more accessible for entrepreneurs and innovators. Passionate about user-centred design and equitable digital transformation, she aims to help position DHI as a catalyst that connects ideas with impact for patients, professionals, and communities. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

Jennifer ThomasSkills and Project Manager < Return to team Jennifer Thomas Skills and Project Manager Jennifer is responsible for managing a programme of work that produces innovative, additional educational opportunities in Moray for frontline health and care employees, and the specialist and technical staff working in digital health and care. She is a qualified Product Design Engineer and has worked on a broad range of social and economic development projects throughout her career. Prior to joining DHI in 2019, she successfully managed and delivered several large-scale health and social care research projects for the Scottish Government, NHE Education Scotland and Skills Development Scotland. She also brings a well-developed knowledge and understanding of the skills landscape in Scotland. Since 2014, Jennifer has managed a range of industry skills studies and contributed research and analysis work to several skills programmes. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) deploys key digital assets and capabilities to re-imagine care and support a strong pipeline of digital and data cross sector pathfinder initiatives, contributing to the Scottish Government and COSLA Health & Care Digital and Data Strategies and wider public service reform priorities. Public sector services Explore opportunities! The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) deploys key digital assets and capabilities to re-imagine care and support a strong pipeline of digital and data cross sector pathfinder initiatives, contributing to the Scottish Government and COSLA Health & Care Digital and Data Strategies and wider public service reform priorities. “The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) is a critical partner in enabling innovative and exciting new products and solutions to be developed and implemented nationally across Scotland. DHI have a key role to play in supporting companies and partners to engage with NHS and Social Care organisations and bring drive, energy and focus to the delivery of our Digital Health and Care Strategy.” Jonathan Cameron Head of Digital Health and Care Scottish Government We operate as an anchor institution to showcase Scotland’s capability and appetite for digital health and social care innovation by working with cross-sectoral partners to transform great ideas into real digital health and social care solutions. Key to driving public service reform is supporting a decisive shift to prevention, greater integration of public services in partnership and collaboration through innovation and digital technology. Spotlighting impactful innovation DHI Industry Engagement Plan 2024 – 2027 This plan describes the evolution, substance and intended implementation of DHI’s refreshed approach to commercial industry engagement. It aims to help more Scottish SMEs, start-ups and spin outs take their innovations to health and social care markets through focusing on Top Tier suppliers to the NHS and social care providers as their key customers. Read engagement plan Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre Phase 2 - Year 4 Annual Report (August 2023 to July 2024) DHI Year 5 annual report covers the main activities and overall achievements and impacts. Read the latest Annual report Digital Mental Health Innovation Cluster : Annual Report 2023-2024 In 2022, the Scottish Government commissioned DHI to establish the DMHIC, launched in March 2022 to support Action 15.7 of the Mental Health – Scotland’s Transition and Recovery Plan through digital innovation. This report, by the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), outlines DMHIC's progress from August 2023 to July 2024. Read the report Digital and Data Across Scotland - new report DHI is excited to contribute to this special report on Scotland's digital healthcare landscape. HTN explores the current and future state of digital healthcare, featuring insights from the Scottish Government, NHS National Services Scotland, and the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre. Read the report DHI 10 Year Strategy DHI facilitates collaboration between commercial, academic, and healthcare sectors to expedite research and innovation adoption, leveraging its robust delivery history to support the goals outlined in its 10-year strategy. Read the strategy DHU Executive Digest Digital tools for the self-management of chronic diseases: Mode of action and conditions of market success. Read latest resource Daring to consider “The art of the possible" A Holyrood Magazine interview with our CEO, Professor George Crooks OBE. Read more The Rural Centre of Excellence (RCE) The RCE for digital health and care in Moray is a £5 million initiative funded by the UK Government and delivered by the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre through the Moray Growth Deal. Learn more Innovation clusters We facilitate an innovation cluster approach to support collaboration between academic, business and civic sectors including citizens, health, social care and housing partners. Explore our clusters #DigiInventors Challenge Inspiring and empowering young people to identify and develop entrepreneurial and digital skills while raising awareness of career opportunities in the digital health and care sector. Get involved Projects DHI collaborates with partners to co-design digital health and social care solutions to key Scottish health challenges. Browse our project portfolio Who we are DHI is a key enabler and catalyst for change, occupying a unique and visible position at the heart of the innovation ecosystem for digital health and social care, in Scotland. Get to know us DHI exchange DHI’s space for you to innovate! Our DHI exchange is one of Scotland’s key national assets to support health and social care service transformation. Learn more Join our network Become part of an exclusive community, that wants to collaborate and transform great ideas into real digital health and social care solutions. Share your interests and expertise, to receive tailored emails to participate in activities that align with your preferences. Join our network Other related pages Our team DHI comprises a team of multi-cultural and multi-lingual individuals, with extensive skills, experience, and a shared commitment to transform great ideas into real digital health and social care solutions. Meet the team Funding Finding and engaging with relevant funding organisations can be challenging. DHI has partnered with The Data Lab to provide access to their funding finder – a search tool that leverages data and AI to navigate the UK funding system. Access funding News Keep up to date with the latest digital health and social care news from across the sector. Read the latest news Who we are DHI is a key enabler and catalyst for change, occupying a unique and visible position at the heart of the innovation ecosystem for digital health and social care, in Scotland. Get to know us Expert insights Dive into the latest expert insights and elevate your understanding of the digital health and social care sector. Gain expert insights Innovation clusters DHI facilitates a growing portfolio of Scottish innovation clusters to share learning, skills, experience and collaborate on new ideas to solve key health and social care challenges Explore our innovation clusters Design innovation Design Innovation is at the core of DHI and runs right through its innovation process, enabling direct engagement with quadruple helix organisations and individuals to define requirements, align different perspectives, and provide a stable foundation for scalable, adoption ready health and social care solutions. Experience design led innovation Events DHI is keen to support knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practice. Explore the latest digital health and social care events taking place from across the sector. Register to attend Skills DHI collaborates with key stakeholders, at strategic and operational level, to generate a future skills pipeline into the digital health and social care sector. Elevate your skills Resources DHI undertakes research, facilitates international knowledge exchange, and publishes academic outputs, grey literature, white papers and a variety of other digital resources focused on digital health and social care. Browse our resources Health and care In the complex landscape of health and social care, numerous terms are frequently employed to describe the integration of technology in health and social care services. DHI prefers a more inclusive and simplified approach to our terminology. Defining digital health and social care DHI exchange DHI’s space for you to innovate! Our DHI exchange is one of Scotland’s key national assets to support health and social care service transformation. Access our health data exchange

The Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD) leads initiatives to strengthen education, innovation and talent development across Sarawak. The Ministry works with schools, higher education institutions, industry and other partners to develop future-ready skills, expand educational opportunities and nurture a skilled and innovative workforce. Its work supports Sarawak’s wider ambitions for economic and social development by strengthening the connections between education, skills, innovation and the evolving needs of the state. Visit Partner's website Previous Item Next Item

Marlene HarkisEngagement Lead, Rural Centre of Excellence < Return to team Marlene Harkis Engagement Lead, Rural Centre of Excellence Marlene is a contracted programme manager working across a range of workstreams within DHI with a focus on transforming social care support through citizen engagement and co design. At present this includes working in the Moray Region to research with older people and unpaid carers a digital approach to finding services more easily and a Personal Data Store empowering choice and control when sharing your personal information. She originally trained as an occupational therapist moving on to Social Care, Senior manager roles in Glasgow and Ayrshire, Marlene has significant experience of collaborating with citizens using services and frontline staff to explore new ways of working through digital transformation, designing new models of care. Marlene is also passionate about continuous professional development and in addition to her original clinical background she has returned to study at different stages in her career and gained a MBA and MSc in digital health and care. Marlene is a strong advocate of choice and empowerment for vulnerable citizens and is currently the chairperson of East Renfrewshire’s Self-directed support Forum. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

Kara MackenzieProject Co-ordinator < Return to team Kara Mackenzie Project Co-ordinator Kara provides support to our project portfolio, with a focus on approved projects. She ensures all projects run smoothly, milestones are achieved, and partners get the most out of their collaborations. She keeps our network updated on all potential funding matters including signposting and supporting funding applications. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

This project aimed to rapidly develop and test the Care Homes Assessment Tool (CHAT) in at least two Health Boards/HSCP areas. CHAT supports staff in assessing, triaging, and accessing specialist clinical input for resident treatment. Care 'In Place' (CIP) Care Home Assessment Tool (CHAT) Stages 1 & 2 Project impact Development of an adaptable clinical assessment tool for Care Homes and a service wraparound model Assets developed to support sharing of information between health and social care This project aimed to rapidly develop and test the Care Homes Assessment Tool (CHAT) in at least two Health Boards/HSCP areas. CHAT supports staff in assessing, triaging, and accessing specialist clinical input for resident treatment. This was a partnership project led jointly by DHI and Scottish Care, involving NES, NHS Lanarkshire, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, DaySix and a number of care homes in the Lanarkshire and Glasgow areas. The principal objective was to rapidly develop and test a live implementation of the CHAT in at least two Health Board/HSCP areas to improve local operational decision-making in Care Homes, aid communication in situations where external clinical support is required and provide early notification of a potential viral outbreak within this sector. This project developed a care home assessment tool that supported staff to assess, triage and where appropriate access specialist clinical input for treatment of their residents during COVID-19. Stage 1 of the project was a Test of Change which produced a wireframe of a digital tool which was co-designed with citizens, service and clinical staff and stakeholders. This could be used to develop a web-based application (based on a Clinical Assessment Tool already developed by NES). Stage 2 was formally launched in July 2020 and involved the trial of the tool in a number of care homes in NHS Lanarkshire and Glasgow. Summary Impact & value A working prototype was implemented in two health boards, NHS GG&C and NHS Lanarkshire, with the tool initially being implemented in Cartvale Care Home (NHS GG&C) and Greenhills Care Home (NHS Lanarkshire) and later more care homes in NHS Lanarkshire. The number of assessments undertaken was low due to a number of factors including staff levels being impacted by COVID-19; outbreaks of COVID within the Care Home; staff recruitment and retention; prioritisation of the vaccine programme over symptom detection. The learning around the use of the assessment tool in care home settings and the sharing of information between health and care services was trailblazing at the time, and has produced a number of useful assets for future work around the challenges of care homes working collaboratively with NHS services. Furthermore, staff were very positive about the application’s capabilities and usefulness within the care homes and this was also recognised by the associated GP’s. Progress to date Next steps Covid-19 Projects The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) was commissioned and remains actively engaged in supporting the Scottish Government’s national response to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic through various related projects View Projects Partners Project staff Resources Care Homes Assurance Tool (CHAT) Previous project Projects index page Next project

The #DigiInventors Challenge is organised by the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) as it's flagship schools’ competition in collaboration with leading partners in education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and healthcare across Scotland and the UAE. Innovate Today Improve Tomorrow Secondary School International Challenge The #DigiInventors Challenge 2026 Secondary School Edition Sarawak is delivered by the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre , Scotland, in partnership with the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur, the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC), BrightSparX, the University of Technology Sarawak, Sarawak Science Centre and other participating stakeholders. All in for Glasgow 2026 The #DigiInventors Challenge is proud to collaborate with the All In Glasgow 2026 programme, bringing the energy, creativity and inclusivity of the Commonwealth Games into classrooms. Together, we're empowering young people to explore digital innovation through real-world challenges, culminating in a special Secondary Edition of the #DigiInventors Challenge, supported by Glasgow 2026. As part of the All In Glasgow 2026 programme, this year’s Secondary Edition will feature an official challenge set by the Glasgow 2026 team connecting young innovators directly to one of the world’s most exciting sporting events! This collaboration celebrates creativity, community, and inclusion, giving students the chance to engage with themes inspired by the Games and their wider impact. 2026 Challenge Questions Applicants should select one of the two questions listed below. The DHI’s preference would be for applicants to select question 1, which was posed by the Challenge 2026 sponsor, All In for Glasgow 2026. Question 1: Choose one sport from the Commonwealth Youth Games Malta 2027 and use it as the inspiration for a sustainable digital solution that helps improve the mental, social and/or physical wellbeing of young people. Your idea should build on the legacy of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games , create a lasting positive impact, and consider how AI or other emerging technologies could strengthen your solution. Your solution should: Improve the mental, social and/or physical wellbeing of young people. Be inspired by one of the Commonwealth Youth Games Malta 2027 sports: Athletics and Para Athletics, Netball, Sailing, Squash, Swimming and Para Swimming, Triathlon, Water Polo, Weightlifting Use digital technology as the main solution. (i.e. your digital solution could be an App, SMART TV, gaming console, smart home appliance, wearable or peripheral device) Consider how AI or other emerging technologies could enhance your idea. Be environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. Contribute to one or more United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Have the potential to create a lasting legacy beyond the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Question 2: Identify a health or wellbeing challenge that affects you, your family, your friends, or your community, and develop a digital idea to help solve it. Suggestions for wellbeing challenges to consider: Health & wellbeing Disabilities Cardiovascular diseases Mental health issues Neurological diseases Gastrointestinal diseases Respiratory diseases Addictions Rural and remote – access to healthcare in rural andremote areas & island communities Introduction Discover what the #DigiInventors Secondary Challenge is all about. In this quick intro, one of our team breaks down how you can take part, what you’ll create, and why your ideas could shape the future of digital health and social care. Whether you're a teacher or a young innovator - this is where your journey begins. What's The Challenge About? The #DigiInventors Secondary School Challenge is your chance to tackle a real health, social care or wellbeing issue and wow our expert judges with your digital solution. Here’s how it works: Pick Your Focus: Choose one of this year’s challenge questions - you can shape it around a health, social care or wellbeing topic, or tackle a problem highlighted by one of our partners Build Your Dream Team: Get together with up to 6 classmates and decide who does what - researchers, designers, presenters… you’re in charge Do the Research: Dig into your topic. What’s the problem? Who does it affect? How can digital tech help? Design Your Solution: Bring your idea to life! Answer the key submission questions, sketch out a concept or prototype, and record a 1-minute elevator pitch video Impress the Judges: If your idea stands out, you’ll become one of our 8 finalist teams. Finalists join an exclusive 2-day entrepreneurial Bootcamp with DHI and partners - then pitch your solution at the grand final for a chance to win! 2026 Challenge Questions Applicants should select one of the two questions listed below. The DHI’s preference would be for applicants to select question 1, which was posed by the Challenge 2026 sponsor, All In for Glasgow 2026. Question 1: Choose one sport from the Commonwealth Youth Games Malta 2027 and use it as the inspiration for a sustainable digital solution that helps improve the mental, social and/or physical wellbeing of young people. Your idea should build on the legacy of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, create a lasting positive impact, and consider how AI or other emerging technologies could strengthen your solution. Your solution should: Improve the mental, social and/or physical wellbeing of young people. Be inspired by one of the Commonwealth Youth Games Malta 2027 sports: Athletics and Para Athletics, Netball, Sailing, Squash, Swimming and Para Swimming, Triathlon, Water Polo, Weightlifting Use digital technology as the main solution. (i.e. your digital solution could be an App, SMART TV, gaming console, smart home appliance, wearable or peripheral device) Consider how AI or other emerging technologies could enhance your idea. Be environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. Contribute to one or more United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Have the potential to create a lasting legacy beyond the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Question 2: Identify a health or wellbeing challenge that affects you, your family, your friends, or your community, and develop a digital idea to help solve it. Suggestions for wellbeing challenges to consider: Health & wellbeing Disabilities Cardiovascular diseases Mental health issues Neurological diseases Gastrointestinal diseases Respiratory diseases Addictions Rural and remote – access to healthcare in rural andremote areas & island communities Timeline and Key Dates Official Launch Monday, 14 September 2026 Entry deadline Friday, 16 October 2026 Shortlisting Monday, 19 Friday - 23 October 2026 Finalists announced Monday, 26 October 2026 Boot camps • Tuesday, 17 November 2026, 1400 -1700 • Wednesday, 18 November 2026, 1400 -1700 Final Thursday, 19 November 2026, 0900 -1125 Winners announced 23/24 January 2027 Award ceremonies TBC Ready, Set, Innovate! How to get started: Build Your Squad - Up to 6 people Pick Your Challenge - Which question will you tackle? Grab the Resources - Download our free guides and resources Submit & Shine - Upload your entry before the deadline Unlock Your #DigiInventors Resources Find everything you need to take part in the Challenge. Use the filters to explore Primary or Secondary materials and choose between Essential resources to get started and Additional content to go further. Includes editable templates, teacher slides, helpful guides, and more! Resources page Prizes Everyone who participates and applies will receive a #DigiInventors Challenge Certificate! Finalist teams will receive: Official #DigiInventors Challenge Finalist Certificate for each pupil The winning team will receive: The coveted #DigiInventors Challenge Trophy for your school Official #DigiInventors Challenge Winner Certificate for each team member Individual Prize provided by delivery partners Winning schools can: Display the coveted #DigiInventors Challenge Trophy Submit your application (Deadline 16 October 2026) Strategic Partners #DigiInventors Challenge 2026 Secondary School Edition - Sarawak - Privacy Notice and 2026 Rules .

An immersive learning project exploring how XR can support suicide-prevention responses while strengthening workforce mental health and resilience. SAFXR: Safety Planning for Suicide Prevention XR Project impact SAFXR strengthens confidence, consistency and compassion in responses to suicidal distress through safe, immersive XR rehearsal. It combines evidence-informed safety planning with scenario-based learning to support responder capability and workforce wellbeing. If successful, SAFXR could inform future suicide-prevention training across health, social care, education, emergency and community settings. An immersive learning project exploring how XR can support suicide-prevention responses while strengthening workforce mental health and resilience. SAFXR (Safety Planning for Suicide Prevention XR) is a collaborative project led by Care Reality in partnership with NHS Education for Scotland, the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre, and the University of Glasgow. The project explores how immersive, scenario-based learning can support professionals responding to people experiencing suicidal thoughts, while also supporting their own mental health and resilience. SAFXR is currently in active co-design, with people with lived experience, frontline practitioners and mental health specialists shaping the learning content, scenarios and emotional safety considerations. Summary Responding to someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts is one of the most challenging situations many professionals will encounter in their work. These conversations are complex, emotionally demanding and often take place with little opportunity to practise or reflect in advance. SAFXR explores how immersive, scenario-based learning could help address this gap. By creating realistic XR experiences, the project aims to provide a safe space for professionals to rehearse responses, build confidence in safety-planning approaches and navigate uncertainty without real-world risk. The project also recognises the impact this work can have on those providing support. Workforce mental health and resilience are central considerations, with the learning experience designed to encourage reflection rather than assessment. Co-design sits at the heart of SAFXR. People with lived experience, alongside practitioners and mental health specialists, are shaping the content and emotional tone of the scenarios to ensure the learning feels authentic, respectful and grounded in real practice. Aligned with Scotland’s Creating Hope Together strategy and supported through Innovate UK funding, SAFXR aims to contribute to responsible and ethical approaches to suicide-prevention education. Impact & value Development of SAFXR began in July 2025 and the project is currently in its co-design phase. So far, work has focused on understanding the real-world contexts in which suicide-prevention conversations take place, and how these can be represented safely and meaningfully in an immersive environment. Co-design sessions have brought together lived experience contributors, practitioners and researchers to explore what good, supportive learning should feel like — not just what it should teach. This phase has included early scenario storyboarding, user-experience planning and careful consideration of emotional safety and trauma-informed design. Insights from research and practice are being used to guide decisions about narrative structure, pacing and interaction. At the same time, the partners are exploring how Care Reality’s FLO XR platform can best support these aims, ensuring that technical development remains led by learning, ethical and user needs. Progress to date The next stage of SAFXR will focus on moving from design into early testing. Initial testing of prototype scenarios is planned for 2026, including activity within the University of Glasgow’s ARC XR Lab. This will help explore usability, emotional safety and how the learning experience is received by users. Learning from this phase will inform further refinement of the scenarios and supporting materials. Subject to progress, wider evaluation across different sectors is anticipated as the project continues to develop. Further updates will be shared as SAFXR progresses, with collaboration between partners and contributors remaining central to shaping the project’s direction. Next steps Partners Project staff Resources Previous project Projects index page Next project

The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) is an international leader in the field of Research & Innovation (R&I) in digital health and digitising social care. Meet our partners. Partners Who we work with? The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) is an international leader in the field of Research & Innovation (R&I) in digital health and digitising social care. Meet our partners. "The DHI team provided wide-ranging support to the inception, funding acquisition, successful delivery and reporting of the DYNAMIC-SCOT project. (-) Continued collaboration with DHI colleagues on next phase of this project - DYNAMIC-SCOT2 – and across our portfolio of activities is greatly appreciated." Dr Chris Carlin, Consultant Respiratory Physician and NRS Senior Investigator, NHS GGC "Our partnership (with DHI) is focussed on educating our health and social care delivery teams on new developments impacting the digitisation of the sector. We’re also identifying ways to create agility in our curriculum offer and developing vocational pathways into employment. This year saw our first involvement in the DigiInventors Challenge, and we’re looking forward to seeing how our relationship develops, as our partnership deepens." Stuart McDowall, Head of Innovation & STEM, City of Glasgow College "The Innovation Cluster plays a significant role promoting and coordinating innovation activity in Digital Mental Health across Scotland. The Cluster provides a focal point while providing a dedicated, consistency of approach that will shape the innovation landscape for years to come creating the right environment for innovation to flourish." Chris Wright, Scottish Government National Advisor for Digital Mental Health/ Head of Programme Digital Mental Health "UHI Moray are delighted to have the RCE Demonstrator and Simulation environment housed at our Elgin facility, a building that is dedicated to Life Science and Innovation, we look forward to working with DHI as part of the Moray Growth Deal to bring innovation, job opportunities and skills to the region" David Patterson Principal and Chief Executive, UHI Moray "Our partnership (with DHI) is focussed on educating our health and social care delivery teams on new developments impacting the digitisation of the sector. We’re also identifying ways to create agility in our curriculum offer and developing vocational pathways into employment. This year saw our first involvement in the DigiInventors Challenge, and we’re looking forward to seeing how our relationship develops, as our partnership deepens." Stuart McDowall, Head of Innovation & STEM, City of Glasgow College Filter by Type of partner Academia/ Education Health & Care Provider Industry Other Wider Public Sector Services Aberdeenshire Council Collaborative partner involved in the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing project, supporting the establishment of a national mental health collaborative for Scotland. Abertay University Collaborative partner in the My Cancer mAI project. Recipient of DHI Master's funding. Alcohol and Drugs Action Partner in the BRAVE/ Here4u Project. All Policies For A Healthy Europe DHI is an All Policies for a Healthy Europe Coalition Partner, an intersectoral initiative of NGOs, think tanks, associations, companies, and individuals with a mission to put citizens’ health & well-being at the heart of European policymaking. Anglia Ruskin University Collaborative partner in NHS Clinical Entrepreneurship Programme (CEP). Archangel Collaborative industry partner in the Moray Growth Deal. Asthma UK Collaborative partner involved in the Next Generation Asthma project. Ayrshire College Collaborative partner in the FUTUREquipped project. Bardy Dx Collaborative industry partner involved in the Atrial Fibrillation project. Basque Foundation for Health Research and Innovation (BIOEF) Collaborative partner involved in the Tittan Interreg Europe project activity. Borders College Collaborative partner in the FUTUREquipped project. British Heart Foundation Ran exploratory sessions around community cardiovascular risk improvement. Built Environment SmarterTransformation (BE-ST) Scottish innovation centre and collaborative partner on joint innovation centre programme activity. CENSIS Scottish innovation centre and collaborative partner on joint innovation centre programme activity. Care Inspectorate Collaborative Partner on social care innovation programme. Cirrus Logic Inc Collaborative industry partner involved in the Smartcough project. City of Almere (CAL) Collaborative partner involved in the Tittan Interreg Europe project activity. City of Glasgow College Collaborative academic partner involved in the #DigiInventors Challenge Primary and Secondary Editions and development of future workforce in health and social care. CoSLA National partner leading strategy on Digital Health and Care with SG, collabortaive partner on social care innovation proramme and Digital LIfelines Scotland. Coalition of care and support providers in Scotland (CCPS) Collaborative Partner on social care innovation programme. First Prev 1 Page 1 Next Last

Professor George Crooks OBEChief Executive Officer < Return to team Professor George Crooks OBE Chief Executive Officer Professor George Crooks is currently the Chief Executive of the Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre, Scotland’s national innovation centre for digital health and care. He leads an organisation that is tasked with delivering innovation in digital health and care that will help Scotland’s people to live longer, healthier lives, deliver sustainable health and care services for the future and create economic benefits for Scotland. He was previously the Medical Director for NHS 24, the Scottish Ambulance Service and Director of the Scottish Centre for Telehealth & Telecare. George was a General Medical Practitioner for 23 years in Aberdeen latterly combining that role as Director of Primary Care for Grampian. George is on the Board of the European Connected Health Alliance and is a past president of the European Health Telematics Association. He was an assessor for the European Commission on programmes involving digital health and care provision, led the Integrated Care Action Group in the European Innovation Partnership for Active and Healthy Ageing and is a member of the WHO roster of experts for digital health. He has been an advisor to several European governments and global organisations including the World Bank on digital health and care. He is an advisor to Innovate UK for its Industrial Grand Challenge programme for Health Ageing. He is also an adjunct Professor of Telehealth at the University of Southern Denmark. He was awarded an OBE in the Queen's New Year Honours List 2011 for services to healthcare. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

The Health Frontiers Project focuses on transforming healthcare through three interlinked strands of research and innovation, backed by €9.1 million from the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) through the Peace Plus Programme, the Health Frontiers project is accelerating innovation across the digital health and MedTech landscape. Health Frontiers - TIC Project impact 11 academic and clinical partners working across Northern Ireland, Ireland, and Scotland to address shared health and care challenges 25+ digital health products and processes to be co-designed, developed, and tested in real-world clinical settings 25 MedTech SMEs engaged, supporting innovation, skills development, and economic growth across participating regions The Health Frontiers Project focuses on transforming healthcare through three interlinked strands of research and innovation, backed by €9.1 million from the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) through the Peace Plus Programme, the Health Frontiers project is accelerating innovation across the digital health and MedTech landscape. The Health Frontiers–Technology Innovation Centre, led by Ulster University, is a flagship crossborder hub dedicated to advancing nextgeneration digital health and medical technologies. Aligned with Peace Plus Investment Area 2.2 – Innovation Challenge Fund, the initiative strengthens research and innovation capacity while supporting the adoption of cuttingedge technologies. The Centre brings together leading universities, healthcare organisations, and MedTech companies from Northern Ireland, Ireland, and Scotland. This collaborative network drives innovation that enhances patient care, improves clinical systems, and supports economic growth. Building on more than four decades of Ulster University’s leadership in health technology innovation, Health Frontiers extends the legacy of the INTERREG VA Eastern Corridor Medical Engineering Centre (ECME) partnership. By uniting expertise in engineering, computing, and clinical science, the Centre delivers meaningful impact on patient outcomes, regional prosperity, and peacebuilding through shared progress and collaboration. Summary For industry, the project offers direct collaboration with leading research and clinical partners to codevelop and validate new solutions. Companies gain access to regulatory, design, and innovation expertise, supported by dedicated Peace Plus investment that helps speed up development and adoption. For academia, Health Frontiers enables highimpact, multidisciplinary research with real clinical relevance. It strengthens crossborder collaboration, opens new funding opportunities, and supports the translation of research into practical healthcare technologies that deliver measurable outcomes. For clinicians, healthcare systems, and communities, the project ensures technologies are shaped around real needs. It supports a shift toward digitally enabled care, improving safety, efficiency, and patient experience, while empowering people to influence innovation through participatory design and more connected, accessible services. Impact & value Progress to date Next steps Partners Project staff Resources View project website : About Health Frontiers – Technology Innovation Centre Previous project Projects index page Next project

Poster presenting early summary findings from Language of Pain research project. < Return to resources Language of Pain: Merging multiple voices for improved chronic pain management Hepburn, Leigh Anne and Jaatun, Ellen Poster presenting early summary findings from Language of Pain research project. View resource Previous item Next item Language of Pain: Merging multiple voices for improved chronic pain management Poster 2018 Start Now

Charlotte StoneyResearch Associate < Return to team Charlotte Stoney Research Associate Charlotte is a design researcher with a background in architecture and environmental design, digital health, and community engagement. She specialises in participatory design and stakeholder engagement, leveraging collaborative methodologies to drive innovation, particularly in areas aligned with net zero healthcare and environmentally responsible health systems. Based in Forres, Moray, at The Glasgow School of Art’s Highlands and Islands campus, her work integrates human, environmental, and design perspectives to create sustainable digital solutions for rural communities. Charlotte is passionate about using design to inspire meaningful public engagement and to advance innovation in the digital health and care sector, with a strong focus on supporting more sustainable and net zero healthcare futures. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page