Amanda Jackson recognised for creating Digital Inclusion Hubs helping residents across Leeds build confidence in digital healthcare.
Amanda Jackson, Associate Chief Clinical Information Officer and Digital Inclusion Lead at Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust (LCH), has been named an AireFest Unsung Hero in recognition of her work tackling digital exclusion and widening access to healthcare across the city.
The Unsung Hero recognition celebrates individuals whose everyday actions make a meaningful difference to patients, colleagues and communities. Amanda received hers at AireFest, the annual event hosted by Aire Logic that brings together NHS clinicians, frontline staff, health and care leaders, researchers and technologists to share ideas, learn from one another and celebrate innovation across health and care.
Amanda began her career as a nurse and specialist community public health nurse and now works in digital health, where she has kept her focus firmly on outcomes for patients and staff. Alongside her role she has established a network of Digital Inclusion Hubs across Leeds, helping residents access technology, build digital skills and gain the confidence to use online services.
Digital inclusion does not sit formally within her job description. She has taken it on because she saw people being left behind as more health services moved online, and she has worked to put practical support in place for them.
Presenting the award, Emma Raftery-Kenworthy, PR and Marketing Director at Aire Logic and an Equity Charter Member, said: “I was particularly proud to present Amanda’s award. Amanda is one of those amazing people who genuinely cares about digital inclusion, but she isn’t passive about it. A true advocate, Amanda created the Digital Inclusion Hubs which run throughout Leeds and are genuinely changing the lives of Leeds residents.”
Amanda Jackson said: “Winning an Unsung Hero Award means a great deal because it shines a light on the importance of digital inclusion. Behind the project are patients and staff whose lives can be made easier by having the confidence and support to access healthcare digitally. Seeing that difference first-hand is what drives me, and I feel privileged to set up a lasting piece of work that helps people feel more connected, independent and supported.”
She added: “Throughout my career, I’ve worked with people facing challenges that go far beyond their immediate health needs. As more services move online, I’ve become increasingly aware that many people are being left behind, whether that’s because they don’t have access to a device, can’t afford data or lack digital skills. For me, digital inclusion isn’t really about technology. It’s about fairness. It’s about making sure everyone has the same opportunity to access healthcare, information and support, regardless of their circumstances.”
Amanda also joined a panel at AireFest for a Dragons’ Den style neighbourhood health session, where teams pitched ideas to improve health and wellbeing in their local communities. The winning team received £5,000 to donate to a charity of their choice.
The Digital Inclusion Hubs are delivered in partnership with 100% Digital Leeds, Aire Logic and Virgin Media O2, and supported by LCH staff who ask patients a short set of digital ability screening questions.
Amanda’s recognition reflects Leeds Community Healthcare’s wider commitment to reducing health inequalities and making sure everyone can benefit from digital healthcare services. Through the continued growth of the Digital Inclusion Hubs, her work is making a lasting difference to residents across Leeds.
