The Smart Way:
Transforming healthcare through effective, clinically led digital systems.

We are thrilled to announce Lewiss Buckel has joined SmartCo as a Project Resource Manager. Wishing you a warm welcome from the entire SmartCo team. We sat down with Lewiss to ask him a few questions about his career path, his role at SmartCo and what he’s most looking forward to about joining. Hi Lewiss. What has been your career leading up to SmartCo? Before SmartCo, I ventured into recruitment after taking some time off to travel. In that role, I helped NHS organisations across the Midlands by providing interim contractors for digital programmes. These ranged from large-scale EPR implementations to IT support desk operations. What is your new role and key responsibilities? As Project Resource Manager, I’ll be managing project resources and collaborating closely with clients to ensure the seamless delivery of digital healthcare programmes. What excites you most about joining SmartCo? I’m looking forward to getting stuck in – getting involved in current programmes, meeting associates and growing our associate network. What makes SmartCo stand out? SmartCo is a clinically led consultancy with deep, first-hand expertise built into the team. This gives clients confidence that we always prioritise their best interests. Our in-depth understanding of NHS operations, both locally and nationally, allows us to drive meaningful change and lasting impact. How do you like to spend your free time? I’m a Preston North End season ticket holder, so most Saturdays at 3pm you’ll find me watching football – although, given their form, I wouldn’t always say I enjoy it! When I’m not at Deepdale, I love heading to the Lake District for hiking and camping. Tell us a fun fact about yourself… Something people may not expect is that I can speak Spanish. I spent about eight months traveling across Colombia and Ecuador in 2022, where I picked up the language. While I’m a bit rusty now, I try to visit Spain once a year to keep practicing.  

We are thrilled to announce Sebastian David has joined SmartCo as an Epic EHR Lead Consultant. Wishing you a warm welcome from the entire SmartCo team. We sat down with Sebastian to ask him a few questions about his career path, his role at SmartCo and what he’s most looking forward to about joining. Hi Sebastian. What has been your background leading up to SmartCo? I started my career on the front lines of customer service, which taught me the importance of a great client experience. After a few years in supervisory roles outside healthcare, I transitioned to Texas Children’s Hospital to support their patient contact center. This was a pivotal move – in that role, I saw firsthand how technology can improve patients’ lives. For example, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I helped stand up a 24/7 virtual call center almost overnight so families could access care remotely. That experience of solving urgent problems with technology inspired me to dive deeper into healthcare IT. Over the next few years at Texas Children’s, I moved into more technical roles as a Business Systems Analyst and later a Systems Analyst II. I became the go-to person for Epic Systems at the hospital, specialising in modules like Epic Cadence (scheduling), Cheers CRM (customer relationship management), Welcome (patient check-in kiosks), and even an innovative patient engagement tool called Hello World. One highlight was leading in the Epic implementation for a brand-new children’s hospital in Austin, where we rolled out several modules to enhance patient access and experience from day one. Each step of my journey – from managing call centre teams to deploying advanced Epic modules – gave me a 360° understanding of how technology, when implemented well, can streamline healthcare operations and improve patient care. This solid foundation ultimately set me up for my new adventure in consulting with SmartCo. What is your new role and key responsibilities? I’ve recently joined SmartCo as your Epic EHR Lead Consultant, where my role is all about providing expertise and guidance to our clients. I’m helping hospitals and clinics get the most out of existing solutions like Epic. My key responsibilities include advising clients on Epic implementations and optimisations. On any given day I might be meeting with a hospital’s leadership to plan their Epic strategy, configuring modules (for example, tailoring Epic Cadence for their scheduling needs or setting up Cheers CRM & Campaigns for patient outreach relationship management). Essentially, I act as a bridge between the complex Epic technology and the client’s operational needs, ensuring the system is configured in a way that makes life easier for caregivers and provides better service for patients. Sometimes that even means working on-site alongside the client’s team as an embedded resource. My ultimate goal in this role is to empower our clients – giving them the tools, knowledge, and confidence to run with these Epic systems long after I’ve finished my part of the project. So to summarize… I’m the Epic guy. What projects are you working on? Right now I’m leading a major project with Dubai Health, one of SmartCo’s key clients in the Middle East. Dubai Health is undertaking a massive initiative to enhance patient engagement, access and experience across their network, and we’re helping them implement and support several Epic modules to achieve that. On this project, I’m focusing on deploying Epic’s Cheers CRM to personalise how Dubai Health connects with patients and manages relationships. We’re also aiding in Epic Cadence for enterprise-wide scheduling and Epic Welcome kiosks in their clinics to streamline the check-in process. It’s a huge effort that involves adapting Epic’s tools to fit the local workflows and cultural context of Dubai Health. I find it incredibly exciting to see a cutting-edge healthcare system take shape; for instance, we’re customising the platform so that a patient in Dubai can schedule an appointment on their phone, get personalised follow-up leveraging the CRM, and then walk into a clinic where a self-service kiosk greets them by name – all seamlessly coordinated through Epic. Helping bring this vision to life has been challenging, but watching it start to make a difference for patients and staff is immensely rewarding. In addition to the Dubai Health project, I’m also contributing to a couple of other client engagements. SmartCo works with a variety of organisations, so I have the chance to wear multiple hats. For example, we’ve been in discussions with another major health authority about kick-starting their Epic optimisation initiative, and I’m laying some of the groundwork for that project. I’m also advising a large hospital system in the U.S. on best practices for integrating third-party communication tools with Epic. One thing I love about consulting is this variety – in the span of a week I might troubleshoot a scheduling workflow for Dubai Health, then jump on a call to strategize an Epic upgrade for a hospital across the globe. It keeps me on my toes and provides continuous learning. What excites you most about working at SmartCo? Honestly, the most exciting part is the team culture and the collective expertise at SmartCo. I’m surrounded by colleagues who have done it all in different industries – some are former CIOs, others are application veterans – and everyone is incredibly passionate about innovation. Being in this environment means I’m constantly learning. I’m also excited by the mission-driven aspect of our work. At SmartCo, every project we tackle has a tangible impact. That sense of purpose is addictive – it’s not just about consulting or configuring systems, it’s about knowing that a tweak we make in an Epic module could mean, say, a cancer patient gets seen two weeks sooner or a nurse spends less time on paperwork and more time caring for people. Being part of a team that shares that vision and knowing we’re making a difference on a broad scale is incredibly motivating. It’s a great feeling to be in a team where everyone is pulling in the same direction to transform healthcare and digital health for the better. What attracted you to SmartCo? I was drawn to SmartCo for a few big reasons. First, SmartCo’s reputation in the EMR/ERP world is stellar – I have heard of SmartCo as the go-to consulting firm for electronic patient records and enterprise solutions. I remember working on an Epic project back at a hospital and thinking, wouldn’t it be cool to be one of those experts who travels around helping multiple hospitals? Joining SmartCo was my chance to do exactly that. The idea of working on diverse projects around the world was very appealing to me. In fact, when I discovered SmartCo was leading innovative projects with clients like Dubai Health, I knew I wanted to be a part of that action. It’s exciting to take the knowledge I gained in one environment and apply it to improve systems in another, completely different environment. Another thing that attracted me was SmartCo’s culture of innovation and growth. During the interview process, I got the sense that SmartCo really values its people’s ideas and career development. They emphasised mentorship, continuous learning, and staying at the forefront of health technology trends. For someone like me who’s always eager to learn (whether it’s a new Epic feature or an emerging AI tool in healthcare), that was a perfect fit. I could tell I’d be joining a team where I could not only contribute my expertise but also expand it. And ultimately, it came down to mission: SmartCo’s mission to help healthcare organisations deliver better patient care resonated deeply with my own goals. I knew that here I’d be able to make a bigger impact than ever, and that’s exactly what I was looking for. What’s your favourite way to unwind after a busy day? My favourite way to unwind after a hectic day is to spend quality time with my family. There’s nothing better than walking through the door and being greeted by my wife and our two sons. We might cook dinner together, chat about everyone’s day, or just relax on the couch with a funny TV show. My two boys are usually bursting with energy and stories, so we often end up playing a quick game or reading a bedtime story. That evening routine of family time instantly puts me at ease and helps me shift my focus away from work. Later in the evening, once the kids are in bed and the house is quiet, I like to spend me time tinkering with personal projects. I’ve always been a lifelong learner and a bit of a maker at heart, so diving into my hobbies is incredibly relaxing. I might fire up my 3D printer to bring a new CAD design to life, or head out to the garage to work on a woodworking project I’ve been chipping away at. Whether I’m sanding down a piece of wood or watching a design take shape layer by layer on the printer, these hands-on projects help me unwind. It’s a satisfying way to end the day – being creative, learning new skills, and doing something I love outside of work.

During Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we proudly join the global movement to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. At SmartCo Consulting, we recognise that neurodivergent individuals bring invaluable perspectives, creativity and strengths to our team. By celebrating these unique skills and talents, we foster a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. Through sharing insights, experiences and success stories, we aim to inspire others to embrace neurodiversity and contribute to a more inclusive and understanding world. Together, we can build environments where differences are not only accepted but celebrated as vital to innovation and growth. Being neurodivergent means that my brain works differently from others, and it’s something I’ve learned to embrace. I don’t think in the same linear, traditional way many people do, and that’s where my unique strengths come into play. While others may take a set path to evaluate and solve a problem, I can approach it from a completely different direction and still arrive at the desired outcome – sometimes even quicker or with a new perspective that others might not see. Growing up, school was strange because people didn’t understand my way of thinking, and I often struggled to fit into traditional learning styles. I could always get to the right answer, but I didn’t follow the same paths others did, which made me feel different. This difference, while frustrating at times, has shaped the way I work today. I’ve learned to adapt and find methods that suit my brain’s unique wiring. However, working at a company like SmartCo, where inclusion and diverse thinking are truly valued, has made a huge difference. SmartCo supports everyone’s unique approach, whether right or wrong, and fosters an environment of open, collaborative thinking. This mindset not only makes me feel seen and valued but also encourages innovation and creative solutions that might not be found in a more traditional work environment. It also helps me connect with others who think differently, creating a culture of inclusivity and mutual respect. This approach allows for the best outcomes for both the business and our clients. My neurodivergence isn’t something that holds me back – if anything, it allows me to bring fresh ideas, creative solutions, and different perspectives to the table, ultimately contributing to a more innovative, successful and dynamic team. I feel empowered to be my true self at work, knowing my unique way of thinking is not only accepted but celebrated. Henry Darch, Client Services Consultant   For much of my life, I felt out of sync with those around me. From a very young age I worried to an excessive level and felt I had to hide my true self. I would make promises to myself that today would be the day I tell people I am different. This went on throughout primary school, secondary school and university years. My mind constantly shifted between excitement, worry, anxiety and hyper-focus. After my ADHD diagnosis three years ago, things finally made sense, I met my true self who I had been suppressing probably since the age of 6. While I felt relieved, I also faced realisations about ADHD misconceptions, especially in women and young girls. Of course I have spent the past 3 years researching inside out! ADHD is often seen as a condition affecting hyperactive boys, leaving many girls and women undiagnosed, living their lives confused. As a result, many women are misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression when ADHD is the true cause. Women with ADHD may be labelled as daydreamers or ‘scatterbrained’. Many have spent their lives masking ADHD struggles from a very young age; by overworking or hyper-focusing at the last minute, trying to pretend to be the person they think they should be. This is exhausting and leaves people questioning – who am I? ADHD is both empowering and exhausting. It fuels my energy, creativity and resilience but also brings mental fatigue, self-doubt and overwhelm. With SmartCo’s support, I’ve embraced strategies like working with my natural rhythms, using reminders and seeking community support. At SmartCo, I feel valued for who I am. ADHD isn’t a flaw; it’s a different way of thinking. My diagnosis gave me permission to embrace my brain, and having SmartCo as a truly inclusive and understanding employer has empowered me to thrive. Taja Quigley, Partner SmartCo Support SmartCo is committed to fostering a workplace where every individual feels safe, supported and empowered to be their authentic self without fear of judgment. We understand that true inclusivity means embracing different perspectives, and ways of thinking. In particular, we recognise the immense value that neurodiversity brings to our organisation. Individuals with unique cognitive profiles – such as those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or other neurological differences – contribute exceptional creativity, problem-solving skills and fresh approaches to challenges. By embracing these strengths, we create an environment where innovation thrives, and individuals are encouraged to contribute their full potential. To support this, we’re committed to implementing inclusive practices that enable everyone to excel. This includes offering flexible work arrangements, clear communication strategies, tailored support systems, and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding. By valuing these differences and ensuring everyone has the tools they need to succeed, we empower our team to collaborate effectively, unlock their strengths, and achieve shared goals. About SmartCo Consulting SmartCo is a consultancy business specialising in the delivery of digital transformation projects for large private and public sector organisations. We offer advisory, project delivery and optimisation services across a range of industries including Healthcare, Consumer & Retail, Media & Telco and Financial Services. We are a people first business, prioritising employee well-being, flexible working and equal opportunities for all.

Navigating the Procurement Act 2023: Immediate Steps for SMEs in Digital Healthcare As a leading digital healthcare consultancy, with 80% of our client base consisting of NHS customers, we have been closely monitoring government updates regarding the Procurement Act 2023. This Act, which came into effect on 24th February 2025, introduces key considerations for our sector. Historically, the NHS has allocated a smaller proportion of its budget – around 20% – to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) compared to other government departments. This has often been attributed to restrictive compliance rules, closed frameworks, excessive bureaucracy and confusion for new market entrants. The new procurement regulations aim to make public sector contracts more accessible to SMEs and encourage a greater number of bids. 1. Future-proofing Access to Frameworks We are currently listed on several frameworks and Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS), including CCS, LPP, NHS SBS and HealthTrust Europe-hosted agreements. The Procurement Act introduces a shift towards more open frameworks, designed to remain accessible in the long term and allow new suppliers to join at any point during the framework’s lifecycle. It is common for vendors to express frustration when requests for proposals (RFPs) are routed through obscure frameworks, which may be closed to new entrants for up to four years. These frameworks often have limited entry windows, effectively preventing smaller or newer suppliers from accessing substantial business opportunities. This, in turn, can result in the NHS missing out on innovative suppliers offering competitive prices. SmartCo Top Tip: Although existing agreements can still be used, it is crucial to research and plan for future open frameworks. Most major framework providers share their release plans on their websites, making it easier to stay informed. 2. Understanding Debarment and Compliance Requirements The Procurement Act 2023 imposes stricter rules to exclude suppliers from public procurement if they pose specific risks. In cases of major breaches, suppliers risk being added to the new central debarment list, leading to automatic exclusion from all public procurement contracts for up to five years. There are also discretionary and mandatory exclusion measures related to competition practices. SmartCo Top Tip: To avoid exclusion or debarment on competition grounds, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of competition law and ensure full compliance 3. Signing Up for the Find a Tender Platform Find a Tender is the central digital platform for tenders and business registration, which has been updated in line with the new Act. Suppliers must re-register on the updated platform to access its new features. The platform stores compliance information that contracting authorities require to allow access to bids. Once registered, this information can be reused multiple times. SmartCo Top Tip: The registration process is quick and straightforward, so we recommend completing it as soon as possible. Registration can be found on the GOV.UK website. SmartCo Summary These are essential steps to ensure you are fully prepared for the Procurement Act. It’s crucial to remain agile to avoid missing opportunities while staying ahead of the additional compliance requirements. There are also other key changes to consider, including new evaluation criteria, social value considerations, increased transparency and a simplified bidding process. These should be carefully balanced with the new opportunities the Act presents, particularly its emphasis on SME inclusion and open market principles. About SmartCo Consulting SmartCo is a consultancy business specialising in the delivery of digital transformation projects for large private and public sector organisations. We offer advisory, project delivery and optimisation services across a range of industries including Healthcare, Consumer & Retail, Media & Telco and Financial Services.