Andi Orlowski
Andi Orlowski, Director of NHS Midlands and Lancashire’s Health Economics Unit, writes about the profession of being an analyst in the NHS and their essential role in improving decision making across healthcare.
“A good analyst can save more lives than a good anaesthetist” – new NHS England CEO Amanda Pritchard.
This is a brilliant recognition of analysts and their strategic impact on the delivery of healthcare. However, while a soundbite from the top is one thing, we need to ensure the NHS has a well-resourced and fully embedded analytical workforce to truly make this happen.
Along with others, I have long championed the work of the NHS’ brilliant and dedicated analysts, health economists and data scientists, and the need to increase the service’s analytics capability and capacity.
I was delighted to hear Amanda Pritchard’s support for our profession. After all, we analysts are in the NHS to make a difference, not to make up the numbers! But what does it mean to be a good analyst? When I think of “good analysts” I picture someone striving to “improve decision quality” for system leaders. Such good analysts really can save lives. It’s that simple.
Continue reading Andi’s blog on the HSJ website.