Code Blue to Green: 
A Test Manager’s approach in NHS Wales

First of all; let me introduce myself; my name is Jess and in my professional life I’m a Senior Assurance Consultant (otherwise known as a Test Manager) working for Acutest (Part of Trustmarque).  I’ve over a decade of expertise in software testing and quality assurance and really love my job – who wouldn’t love getting paid to break things!

In this series of articles, I want to share with you a truly unique opportunity that I stumbled upon when my personal life clashed unexpectedly with my professional life and to share some truly insightful ideas and discoveries with you.

In article 3 ‘Breaking Barriers – Forging new connections’ I shared with you how and why I broadened my network by connecting with healthcare professionals within the NHS who are seeking actionable solutions to improve patient health.  In this final article of the series I share the progress I have made with NHS Wales Assurance Groups and the efforts being made to transform the healthcare journey for Welsh citizens.

Collaboration Station – Navigating NHS Wales Digital Services Together

I’ve always dreamed of being part of something significant, but the opportunity never seemed to come my way—until now! Joining the Patients and Public Assurance Group (PaPAG) for the Digital Services for Patients and the Public (DSPP) had been an incredible chance to support NHS Wales in their digital transformation. It was wonderful to network with Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW) and various third-party companies that I wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to interact with. And there was so much more to it… so much more!

It’s now 9 months since my hospital stay and my involvement with NHS Wales has grown significantly:

I’m still a regular participant in the PaPAG, contributing to user design sessions and other meetings. This involvement has provided me with excellent networking opportunities and a deeper understanding of the challenges some communities in Wales face when interacting with digital services.  Through these sessions, I’ve gained valuable insights into the specific needs and barriers different communities’ encounter. For instance, I’ve learned how language barriers and varying levels of digital literacy can impact the effectiveness of these services.  Engaging with diverse stakeholders has also highlighted the importance of inclusive design. By incorporating feedback from a wide range of users, we can create more accessible and user-friendly digital solutions. This collaborative approach not only improves the quality of the services but also fosters a sense of ownership and trust among the communities we serve.

I’m now not only a member of the Technical Assurance Group for the DSPP, but I’ve also been appointed as the deputy chair! This role has provided me with valuable technical insights into the development of the NHS Wales App and the extensive governance and effort required to bring medical software to the public.  This role has also given me a front-row seat to the challenges and solutions in digital healthcare. For example, addressing issues like interoperability between different healthcare systems, ensuring the app can integrate seamlessly with existing NHS services, and making sure it is accessible to all users, regardless of their technical proficiency.  My involvement in this Group has been incredibly enlightening, providing me with a comprehensive view of the complexities involved in developing and deploying digital health solutions. It’s a privilege to contribute to a project that has the potential to significantly improve healthcare in Wales.

And finally; I’m the Public Research Partner Co-applicant for a research project involving the Electronic Prescription Service in Wales that Swansea University are hoping to start next year – subject to funding! Shout out to Professor Hamish Laing who appeared in article 2, CODE NAME: DEFECT DETECTIVE – UNDERCOVER IN THE NHS, for giving me the opportunity to be a part of something so important.

I’ve been amazed by the openness and honesty in my interactions with NHS Wales. In my role as a Test Manager, I have in the past encountered organisations who become guarded when asked important questions around software quality, as discussing failures can reveal issues that might compromise safety and lead to serious ethical and legal implications. Working with NHS Wales has been a breath of fresh air in this regard and has really demonstrated that they are committed to digital transformation and improving patient health across Wales.

So, what lies ahead for me? My passion for the NHS and interest for technology drive me forward. I am determined to continue my involvement with NHS Wales, ready to take on any challenge and contribute wherever I am needed. The future is bright, and I am eager to be a part of the transformative journey that lies ahead!  Although I’d love to avoid going undercover again if possible…I may have learned a lot; but the food was awful!

About the Author

I started my testing career in 2013 as a Test Analyst working for a large multinational bank.

Since then I have worked and trained hard, moving up in the testing assurance path in various industries such as banking, HR and automotive and have been working as a Test Manager since 2022.

I joined Acutest (part of Trustmarque) in January 2023 as a Senior Assurance Consultant and have been supporting our clients in media, social housing and healthcare.