Transforming Patient Care Through Digital Health Innovation with Jamie Whysall – VistaTalks Episode 167

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Jamie Whysall, Head of Health at Netcompany UK, brings a real-world perspective to one of healthcare’s biggest challenges: digital transformation. In this episode of the VistaTalks podcast, Jamie joined Host María Roa for a conversation about the present and future of healthcare innovation. From building digital bridges between siloed systems to reimagining how citizens interact with their personal health data, Jamie shared a powerful vision for how technology can—and must—reshape the health sector.

A Leader at the Intersection of Tech and Health

Jamie’s journey into healthcare is anything but conventional. With a career that spans financial services, defense, retail, and now healthcare, he brings a rich cross-industry perspective to his current role at Netcompany UK. Today, he leads their Health division, helping hospitals, national health bodies, social care systems, and health tech innovators leverage digital solutions to deliver better outcomes for patients and citizens.

One of Jamie’s guiding philosophies is “joining the dots.” It’s about more than just connecting IT systems—it’s about aligning data, processes, and people to drive true transformation.

From Digitization to Digitalization: Why the Words Matter

Many organizations fall into the trap of digitizing analog processes, essentially turning paperwork into software but keeping the old inefficiencies intact. Jamie and his team advocate for digitalization instead, rethinking entire workflows to unlock better outcomes.

“It’s not just about putting in a system. It’s about reimagining the entire process. Can we make it faster? More effective? Can we drive better outcomes?”

At Netcompany, this means combining off-the-shelf capabilities with bespoke flexibility. Rather than forcing organizations to choose between rigid enterprise software and costly custom builds, they offer modular “building blocks” that can be reused and adapted—an approach rooted in their Danish public sector efficiency and innovation heritage.

The Shift from Reactive to Proactive Healthcare

One of the most exciting opportunities in digital health is the move toward preventive and personalized care. With the rise of wearable tech and health apps, more people are tracking their wellness than ever before. But what happens to all that data?

When responsibly integrated into the medical system, Jamie sees a future where personal health information can empower patients and providers to intervene earlier and more effectively.

“We’re seeing the convergence of consumer tech and medical devices. The challenge is making that data accessible and actionable for clinicians.”

But it’s not just about hardware—it’s about mindset. Proactive care means investing in interventions that may only pay off in 5 to 10 years. It requires systems that can manage both short-term pressures and long-term gains.

What We Can Learn from Denmark

A standout moment in the episode was Jamie’s discussion of Denmark’s digital health portal—a national platform that gives 96% of the population access to their entire health history.

“Anyone born after 1981 in Denmark has their full medical record online. That kind of transparency changes everything.”

Patients can check their records, message their GPs, and even correct data errors—improving both accuracy and trust. Clinicians benefit, too, with real-time access to a patient’s complete medical history, regardless of where they show up in the system.

AI, Data, and the Human Factor

Naturally, the conversation turned to AI and advanced analytics. Jamie is optimistic but cautious. “AI can improve outcomes, but it must be used to support, not replace, clinical judgment.” The real potential lies in augmenting decision-making, helping doctors identify risks sooner and personalize treatments more effectively. But it all hinges on high-quality data and responsible use.

Culture Eats Tech for Breakfast

Even the best technology won’t deliver results without cultural buy-in. Jamie emphasized the importance of bringing people along on the journey, especially clinicians and administrators who will use the new systems daily.

“Technology programs are people programs. Without the people, you’re just creating another problem.”

His advice? Involve the end users from the beginning. Give them ownership, take them out of their day jobs if needed, and empower them to co-create the solution.

What’s Next in Health Tech?

Looking ahead, Jamie sees two major priorities for the next five to ten years:

  1. Modernize Legacy Systems
  2. Healthcare is still grappling with outdated tech that blocks innovation. Jamie advocates for a more agile, modular IT strategy that allows for continuous upgrades, rather than decade-long mega-projects.
  3. Scale Data-Driven Insight
  4. With better interoperability and smarter use of AI, health systems can finally shift from reactive treatment to proactive population health, saving lives and reducing long-term costs.