Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust has earned Stage 6 validations on three HIMSS Maturity Models, making it the first organization in Europe to hold three Stage 6 awards simultaneously.

CHFT was recently assessed and validated at Stage 6 on the Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM) and the Analytics Maturity Assessment Model (AMAM), adding the two new accomplishments to its existing Stage 6 validation on the Infrastructure Adoption Model (INFRAM).

“As the only recipient in Europe of three Stage 6 awards, CHFT may be described by some as one of the most digitally advanced hospitals in Europe," said John Rayner, HIMSS Senior Director of Analytics. "What a great narrative to celebrate.”

The Trust is committed to continuous improvement with a new 5-year digital strategy (2025-30). Building on this strong foundation of Stage 6 validations, the Trust plans to continue to enhance digital capabilities, improve clinical workflows and reinforce patient safety as it works toward HIMSS Stage 7 and further digital innovation.

“This is a fantastic achievement, only made possible by the commitment and positive approach of colleagues across the whole Trust," said Rob Birkett, CHFT’s Chief Digital and Information Officer. "This HIMSS Stage 6 accreditation across all three core standards gives assurance that we are using Digital, Data and Technology to support, enable and transform how we deliver patient care. The accreditation focused on how we use digital to support quality improvement, reduce risk and enhance safety."

CHFT credited the collaboration and dedication of teams across the organization for this collective achievement.

Clinical and operational colleagues have embraced digital tools and championed safer, digitally supported care. Expertise of digital, IT, cybersecurity and network teams underpins the Trust’s resilient, high‑performing infrastructure.

Information governance, business intelligence and data science teams ensure compliant, high‑quality data is used to improve outcomes and support patient safety. Transformation, programme and operational teams have driven adoption and embedded digital innovation into day‑to‑day care delivery.

Executive leadership's strategic vision and commitment digital transformation has enabled this success over the past 10 years. And the support and collaboration of industry and regional partners have been essential.

"This milestone reflects how digital innovation runs as a golden thread through everything we do, helping us continually enhance quality and safety for our patients," said Louise Croxall, CHFT Chief Nursing Information Officer. "By using data to drive improvement and maximising the capabilities of our Electronic Patient Record, we are delivering more consistent, safer and better‑connected care.”

“Securing HIMSS Stage 6 for EMRAM and INFRAM over two days is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our teams across clinical, digital and operational domains," said Jonathan Cowley, CHFT Chief Clinical Information Officer. "Alongside our AMAM Stage 6 status, it confirms that we have built a robust, intelligent digital foundation that supports safer care, better decisions and a more connected experience for patients and staff.”

“As a clinical site team we rely on digital platforms to inform our decision making," said Lynsey Marsden, Head Nurse, RAFT. "Using digital screens in the command centre allows us to see real time data and drive actions to facilitate flow. As a site team, we are fully engaged with the digital transformations and are supporting with engagement across ward areas to reduce length of stay and ultimately improve patient experience and outcomes. Personally, I am always looking for digital solutions to support business as usual in my role and have a great relationship with the digital team who support with this.”