With over three decades in health and care, Ciara Moore has seen the NHS evolve through waves of financial, cultural, and digital transformation. Now running her own consultancy in Cambridge, she advises NHS organisations on optimising their technology to improve staff experience and drive better patient outcomes.
Growing Up with Technology
Ciara grew up “in the NHS,” but her curiosity about technology started early. “I’m Gen X, and I remember when my dad bought our first fax machine, that was the moment I got hooked,” she recalls.
Though now a recognised digital leader, Ciara’s early career started in finance. Her first real encounter with transformation came during an Oracle Financials implementation, where she discovered the power of systems thinking from a user’s perspective.
A small, practical moment stuck with her at Northwick Park Hospital; automating car park cash collection instantly improved staff days. “It was such a small thing, but it made the day easier. Since then, that’s for me the root of digital optimisation.”
Lessons from a Career in NHS Technology
Having led multiple large-scale digital and transformational programmes, Ciara learnt that success isn’t measured by how advanced the technology is, but by how people feel about using it. “You can have the best solution in the world, but if people don’t understand how, it will improve their lives, it won’t stick. Transformation is about culture, trust, and helping people see the benefits for themselves. The ‘what’s in it for me?’”
Meaningful change, she adds, often takes longer than project plans allow. “You need perseverance, patience, and empathy so people can build trust and see how change really affects them. Once adoption becomes second nature and people realise what’s possible, that’s when the real transformation happens.”
Being a Woman in Tech
Ciara credits her early confidence in technology to her education.
“I went to an all-girls school that was really innovative. We were one of the first to get computers. No one ever told us tech wasn’t for us.”
That foundation helped her navigate the early years of a career where digital and data roles were largely male dominated. “I was often the only woman in the room,” she admits. “But that’s changed enormously. Now, I see women leading digital programmes, technical teams, and entire end to end EPR implementations and that’s brilliant to see.”
Projects That Made a Difference
Looking back, Ciara’s proudest achievements are those where technology delivered real human impact. At Addenbrooke’s Hospital, she has watched a decade-long journey of digital transformation unfold. “To look back ten years later and see how their EPR system has matured is amazing,” she says.
She’s also proud of her work across Mid and South Essex during the pandemic, where her programme team supported the rapid deployment of remote monitoring and wearable technology to support patients at home. “It showed what happens when you combine urgency, teamwork, and the right tools. We had the tech in people’s homes within weeks and it made a real difference.”
For Ciara, projects like these reinforce the privilege and responsibility of working in health tech. “You’re not just delivering software or an EPR deployment, you’re shaping how care is delivered. That’s a huge responsibility and an incredible opportunity.”
Bridging the Gap Between Clinicians and Technology
Over the years, Ciara has seen the gap between clinicians and technicians narrow but not disappear. “Technicians are always pushing forward; clinicians are focused on patient safety. Change happens when you can translate between those worlds”
Successful transformation rests on three pillars: technology, people, and process – with people and change management often making the biggest difference. “You need translators, people who can explain what the technicians are trying to achieve in a way clinicians relate to.”
Strong people and change management are essential even on a small scale. “We’re getting better at bringing more clinicians into technology,” she notes. “They’re becoming more curious, more engaged, and that’s a huge step forward.”
The Future of Healthcare Technology
Looking ahead, Ciara is realistic about the pace of digital change within the NHS. “We’ve got a solid ten-year plan, but progress will be slower than we’d like because of financial pressures,” she says. “That said, technology is still the answer to most of our challenges; we just have to keep making the case for investment.”
She sees the biggest gains coming from care-at-home technologies – wearables, sensors, and data platforms supporting independent living. “We have an ageing population and fewer care homes, so the home has to become part of the health system. And it’s a myth that older people can’t use tech… they’re banking online and booking flights like everyone else. The real issue in engaging patients in technology are for people in areas of demographic deprivation.”
Misconceptions and Lessons Learned
Ciara challenges the misconception that implementing an EPR marks the finish line. “By the time your EPR goes live, it’s already old. The real work starts after go-live -optimisation, engagement, and keeping your suppliers engaged. You can’t sit still.”
Her team once captured more than 200 lessons learned from EPR rollouts, with three key themes about culture, communication, and post-implementation support. “That’s where success or failure lives. You’ve got to keep scanning the horizon, there’s always someone doing it faster or differently, so know where you are, what value you bring, and never stop improving.”
If She Could Fix One Thing
She wouldn’t prioritise asking for more funding or newer tools – she’d ask for time. “Clinicians are brilliant, but they don’t have the headspace to step back and rethink how they work,” she says. “If we could give them that time upfront, every digital transformation would land better.”
“Standardising processes before implementation saves months of rework. We need to invest in doing it right and start during the business case phase.”
She also highlights post-go-live challenges, “When your project team moves on, clinicians aren’t necessarily system experts. You almost need a shadow team focused on optimisation and sustainability.” She praises NHS England’s Frontline Digitalisation Change team and their recent work estimating costs for change management teams throughout programme lifecycles – exactly the kind of planning needed more often.
Staying Grounded
Motivation always comes back to one thing: patients.
“Everything we do in digital should come back to improving care. We have all been patients, or we will be. I want the best experience for everyone who comes through the system.”
That shared humanity is what drives her. “We all have this connection with each other in healthcare – our why is always about caring for our people.”
Advice for the Next Generation
Ciara encourages curiosity and collaboration between clinicians, operations and IT teams. “Clinicians and operation leaders should take time to visit IT departments and see what they do. IT teams are great at engaging people these days, but make the first move – just pop in and have a chat.”
For women considering a career in health tech, her message is direct and encouraging: “Go for it. There are less barriers now. Be curious, get out into your services, and understand the roles and problems your teams are trying to solve around you. The NHS needs more women who combine empathy with technical insight.”
Inspiration and Outlook
Ciara credits much of her professional ethos to mentors and colleagues who shaped her approach. From Frances Cousins, Partner at Deloitte and SRO at Addenbrooke’s Hospital – who led the successful Epic programme with incredible leadership – to Charlotte Williams, Deputy CEO at North-West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, known for her innovation and horizon scanning, and Dr Keith McNeil, CEO at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, who constantly encouraged her by asking, “What’s stopping you?”
“They all taught me something about leadership – to be brave, curious, and unapologetically human,” she says.
After speaking with Ciara, what stayed with me most was her unwavering commitment to keeping people at the heart of everything she does. Her leadership isn’t about following a set path or chasing the latest tech – it’s about using tools wisely, solving real problems, and helping others do the same. Ciara continues to support the next generation of digital leaders through mentoring and webinars, helping younger clinicians build confidence, visibility, and skills in an ever-changing field. With curiosity, persistence, and purpose guiding her, Ciara is shaping healthcare in ways that truly matter, proving that technology can empower people, not replace them.
