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Norwegian and British health leaders gathered in London: A shared direction for the hospitals of the future
How do we build the hospitals of tomorrow – smarter, more digital, and better connected? That was the question at the centre of the networking reception hosted by Norway Health Tech and Team Norway in the UK at the Norwegian Ambassador’s Residence in London on October 6th.
Written by
Therese Oppegaard
Digital transformation in practice
The event brought together Norwegian and British health leaders, technology experts, and innovation partners — marking a new chapter in the growing collaboration between Norway and the United Kingdom in digital health and hospital development.
This year’s theme, “The Digital Shift: Transforming How Hospitals Work,” set the tone for the evening. Ambassador Tore Hattrem welcomed the guests, followed by Sarah Thomas, Digital Lead for the NHS New Hospital Programme, who shared insights into how the UK is planning and building new hospitals with digitalisation at their core. Norway Health Tech has for some time collaborated with the NHS New Hospital Programme to exchange experiences and innovation across the North Sea.
“The digital shift is not just about technology — it’s about culture, organisation, and new ways of working together,” Thomas emphasised from the stage in London.
From the Norwegian side, Kristine Sahlberg, Director of Research and Innovation at Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, presented experiences from the planning and move into the new Drammen Hospital. The Norwegian Directorate of Health (HDIR), Oslo University Hospital, and Oslo Municipality also contributed perspectives on how Norway is developing more connected healthcare services.
Lena Nymo Helli, CEO of Norway Health Tech, concluded the opening session by highlighting how the Norwegian health innovation ecosystem fosters trust-based collaboration between the public and private sectors.
“Partnerships are the key to success. Norway and the UK share many of the same challenges — and the solutions are often found in the interplay between our systems,” Helli concluded.
Norwegian solutions with international potential
The reception was made possible with support from the Stiftelsen Teknologiformidling Foundation, a key contributor to the interntational activities in Norway Health Tech — both in the UK and Germany.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of eight Norwegian health tech companies with solutions tailored for the British market. During the reception, they met with representatives from the NHS, investors, and partners — showcasing how Norwegian innovation can drive more efficient and patient-centred healthcare services.
“It’s inspiring to see how Norwegian companies are positioning themselves internationally with solutions that address real needs in healthcare,” said Trine Radmann, Head of International Affairs at Norway Health Tech.
“Together, we’re building bridges that give Norwegian health innovation a solid foothold internationally,” Radmann concluded.
Get to know the Norwegian companies that took part in the London event: Vital Things, CheckWare, JodaTech, Ledidi, DNV Imatis, Convene, Calpro og Synplan.
