Digital health and care consultancy Channel 3 Consulting has appointed Ralph Cook  (pictured) as a partner to help deliver digital solutions that will shift the focus of health and care from centralised institutions to peoples’ own homes.

Cook has over two decades’ experience shaping and delivering complex transformation programmes for government and public health bodies, most recently focussed on adult social care and the interface with health.

He previously held a director role at IMPOWER consultancy but also consultancy roles at audit firm PwC and Syntegra consulting.

Channel 3 CEO John Howard, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have Ralph leading our growth into the social care sector. His appointment represents a significant investment in our ambition to make a profound, positive impact in an area of huge national importance that affects the wellbeing of millions of our loved ones.”

Cook said: “The pandemic has brought into sharp focus the challenges in the current system but it has also revealed a population that has adapted and discovered the advantages of digital technology to communicate, shop and access support.

“The willingness of end-users to adapt means the health and care sector should grab the opportunity to transition with both hands. The time is right. I think even those who’ve been resistant to digitalisation of the sector in the past have come to recognise the need for change. We’re on the cusp of something very exciting but new technologies are evolving all the time so it can be difficult for an organisation to know where to start.

“Consultancies like Channel 3 are invaluable because we are able to provide impartial and pragmatic advice based on many years’ experience. We help system leaders and frontline staff focus on improving peoples’ lives without having to worry about the technology. Our role is to help deliver fundamental changes that will improve all our lives in the future.”