Transforming Healthcare Through Data, AI & Human-Centred Design — Ming Tang, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, NHS England

Learn how Cambridge Spark helps organisations and leaders develop the data and AI skills that drive real transformation: cambridgespark.com

In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma speaks with Ming Tang, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at NHS England. Ming has spent her career leading some of the most ambitious digital and data transformations in the UK public sector.

Together, they explore how data and AI are reshaping the future of healthcare, from modernising patient journeys and connecting siloed systems to deploying AI tools that help clinicians and operations teams work smarter. Ming’s insights highlight how the right mindset, structure, and curiosity can unlock meaningful impact at scale.

Listeners will also discover how the NHS is building a connected, patient-centric ecosystem through the Federated Data Platform (FDP) and the single patient record initiative and why listening and collaboration, not just technology, are key to solving complex system challenges.

Whether you work in healthcare, data science, or digital transformation, this conversation offers powerful lessons in leading with purpose, designing around users, and scaling innovation responsibly.

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Chapter Markers:

(03:30) Lessons from leading large-scale transformation

(06:00) Why listening and curiosity matter more than technology

(11:00) Designing flexible, modular NHS systems for efficiency and collaboration

(15:00) The Federated Data Platform: enabling connected, data-driven care

(18:00) Real-world AI applications in the NHS: discharge summaries, voice tech & analytics

(21:00) Advice for leaders; adopting AI through curiosity and context

(25:00) Raoul’s reflections; leading with empathy, curiosity, and user-first thinking

Useful Links:

Connect with Ming on LinkedIn

Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn

Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programmes at cambridgespark.com