As health and care services became increasingly connected, IM continued to strengthen its capabilities in digital infrastructure, clinical systems, integration, interoperability, cyber security, data sharing and programme management.

This period represented a continued shift from technology being viewed primarily as an operational support function towards digital becoming an enabler of service redesign, collaboration and integrated care. IM’s clinically led approach increasingly brought together healthcare professionals, operational teams and digital specialists to ensure that digital solutions reflected frontline needs and supported safe, effective care.

This foundation enabled IM to contribute to place-based and regional priorities, while continuing to support the strategic and operational requirements of core partners including Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust and the organisations that now form NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB).

During this period, IM also played a critical role in helping local healthcare organisations respond to major national challenges. Following the WannaCry cyber attack in 2017, IM coordinated the regional digital response, working closely with NHS partners to manage the impact of the incident, strengthen cyber security, improve resilience and protect critical digital systems and services.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital technology across health and care at an unprecedented pace.

IM enabled the rapid rollout of remote working solutions, collaboration tools, digital infrastructure and virtual ways of working, helping organisations maintain services, adapt to changing demands and continue delivering care during one of the most challenging periods in NHS history.