Sonya

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The NHS Comms AI Taskforce report shows many comms teams, even inexperienced ones, are using AI tools but want practical, trustworthy ways to improve. If you're interested in a task map with suggested tools, please comment below. It's guidance, not a prescription!

So let’s:
✅ Use AI to support thinking, not skip it
✅ Reward curiosity, not just speed
✅ Prioritise discernment, not just delivery
Because when we think critically, we don’t just communicate — we build trust, spark change & create belonging.

As comms professionals, we’re not just messengers.
We’re interpreters, navigators, bridge-builders.
If we don’t challenge assumptions, we risk amplifying bias rather than understanding.

Critical thinking changes that.
It lets us:
– Ask better questions
– Spot ethical + emotional gaps
– Hold space for multiple perspectives

Too often, AI gets used to churn out more of what’s already out there.
We end up oversimplifying instead of communicating complexity, losing the humanity and trust that people actually connect to.

AI is powerful — but it’s not a shortcut to understanding.

Such a proud moment to see this shared—and even prouder to be part of the team behind it.
If you're in NHS comms, I encourage you to join. The network includes national groups on ethics, training, governance, and evaluation, providing a space to listen, learn, and shape together.

Shaping the future of AI within NHS Communications Supporting communications professionals to build capability around artificial intelligence.

If you work in #NHScommunications and are interested in using #AI then please do join the NHS Communications AI Network or one of our working groups to make AI-enabled NHS communications ethical, impactful, and future-ready!
www.nhsconfed.org/articles/sha...

#strategiccommunications #leadership | Sonya Cullington MA MSc Earlier this week, during a call with a potential client, I was told, "We just need someone who will do what the Board wants". I'd like to think I'm pretty easygoing to work with, an...

Earlier this week, during a call with a potential client, I was told, "We just need someone who will do what the Board wants".
I'm pretty easygoing to work with, and whilst I’m willing to flex, I have five non-negotiables I stand by—no matter the context:

www.linkedin.com/posts/sonya-...

#strategiccommunications #leadership | Sonya Cullington MA MSc Earlier this week, during a call with a potential client, I was told, "We just need someone who will do what the Board wants". I'd like to think I'm pretty easygoing to work with, an...

What are your non-negotiables as a communications professional?

www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...

#changemakers #breakthesilence #challenge5 | Sonya Cullington MA MSc I'm pleased to have played a small part in seeing this grass roots campaign come to fruition with a bunch of wonderful #ChangeMakers. Share your thoughts…

Can you help Break the silence?

www.linkedin.com/posts/sonya-...

30 Minute Introduction - Sonya C

If you’d like to discuss how I can support you in navigating complex communication hurdles, strengthening stakeholder relationships and fostering positive change through strategic data-informed approaches, feel free to reach out here or book a slot using calendly.com/sonyaculling...

Sir John Oldham appointed to help shape neighbourhood health plans Sir John Oldham brings extensive experience of working in the health sector and will work on emerging policy to support the government to deliver more care in the community.

I'd missed this last week - a 12 month appointment...
www.gov.uk/government/n...

Two weeks after the seismic announcement of NHS England's abolition, we… | Sonya Cullington MA MSc Two weeks after the seismic announcement of NHS England's abolition, we face a perfect storm of uncertainty. The sudden mandate for Integrated Care Boards…

Two weeks on and the perfect storm: www.linkedin.com/posts/sonya-...

If any communications folk would like support or a listening ear, please do reach out. Be kind to yourselves.

To all NHS England and ICB staff: You deserve better. Your tireless work navigating these constant changes while striving to maintain our healthcare system is commendable. The lack of clear communication and the apparent absence of a well-thought-out plan are unacceptable.

staff we told six week ago there would be a 15% cut, yesterday it was 50% and today through a BBC announcement they found out they were being abolished - disgusting approach

Sonya Cullington MA MSc on LinkedIn: Reshaping NHS comms through insight and authenticity - Articulate Health Did you know I started my NHS Career in a GP practice? No? Well, you can read about it here 👇 and also find out what colour my blood is! 😆 Whilst you're…

Do you want to know what colour my blood is?
www.linkedin.com/posts/sonya-...

There is no doubt that these little guys will be the highlight of my week 🥰

NHS will compete with itself in Streeting’s productivity reforms Patients will be given choice in new areas and more services will be paid according to how many people use them, the health secretary has said

This is clearly a Milburn flex!
More choice ✔️
Better use of tech ✔️
Listening to communities, capturing data, using it to drive change❓️ We'll see!

www.thetimes.com/article/90fc...

Trump’s neofascism is here now. Here are 10 things you can do to resist | Robert Reich America has deep problems, which is why we can’t give up. Protect the vulnerable, organize boycotts and keep fighting

Help the light get through
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

Sonya Cullington on LinkedIn: #healthcomms #patientexperience #healthcareinnovation #aiinnhscommunication Bridging the Communication Gap: A New Lens on Patient Pathways In our ever-evolving healthcare landscape, effective communication is paramount. As healthcare…

Using an AI patient pathway simulator to improve patient comms and experience

www.linkedin.com/posts/sonya-...

A festive two tile comic strip illustrating the difference between misinformation and disinformation. Tile A: Disinformation. Scene: Christmas morning in the living room. A child looking at wrapped Christmas present which seems to have the outline of a bicycle. Parents stood in the background are telling the child "It's from Santa Claus!". Tile B: Misinformation Scene: Later that day, the child is riding his new bike outside. While passing his three friends standing on the sidewalk, he shouts "It's from Santa Claus!". Credit: This comic strip is a collaboration between @brentlee.bsky.social & artist @felixuncia.bsky.social

Misinformation?
Disinformation?
What's the difference?

A very simple and festive explainer. 🎅

Credit:
🎨 @felixuncia.bsky.social
🧠 @brentlee.bsky.social

The Starbucks NHS festive giveaway is back and bigger than ever! Tomorrow (Thursday 5 December) Starbucks are giving away a free Tall beverage to all NHS workers in stores across the UK.

Tag an NHS staff member who you know would benefit from a festive pick-me-up 👇

Revolutionising healthcare communications | National Health Executive In a groundbreaking move to revolutionise healthcare communications, a dedicated taskforce established i

If you work in #NHS #Communications, then please review this paper and let us know your thoughts in the survey. More details here: www.nhsconfed.org/news/shaping...

I'm also happy to chat about any of it if anyone has any questions!

www.nationalhealthexecutive.com/articles/rev...

a white dog wearing a pair of blue glasses with a light on it . ALT: a white dog wearing a pair of blue glasses with a light on it .

When you spend 20mins cleaning your laptop screen, only to realise it's your glasses...