By Jerome Babate
As a young nurse in ICU and haemodialysis at the Manila Doctors Hospital in the Philippines, Shella Sandoval never imagined she would one day work with technology. Fast forward to today, she is the chief nursing information officer (CNIO) and digital clinical safety officer at the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust where she bridges the gap between nursing and technology, ensuring that digital solutions are practical, effective and empowering for nurses on the frontline.
When she moved to the United Kingdom in 1999, she specialised in renal nursing and became a clinical nurse specialist in renal vascular access. As a testament to her expertise, she co-authored peer-reviewed publications and served as a faculty member of the Vascular Access Society of Britain and Ireland until 2013.
Driven by her passion for patient-centred care, Shella established a private haemodialysis unit but her desire to make a broader impact brought her back to the National Health Service (NHS) as the lead nurse for home therapies. To further strengthen her knowledge, she pursued an MSc in Healthcare Leadership at the University of Birmingham.
Embracing change, understanding technology
Shella’s transition into nursing informatics was unexpected but transformative. Initially sceptical about the electronic patient record system implemented at her hospital, her curiosity soon turned into fascination. “I realised how much data and insights were at my fingertips. It completely changed my clinical practice,” she recalls. This epiphany led her to apply for the role of nursing information officer, marking the start of her journey in digital health leadership.
“Technology is only as good as its adoption,” Shella emphasises. She explains that one of the biggest challenges in digital transformation is resistance to change. She believes that winning the hearts and minds of nurses is the key to success. She emphasises the importance of understanding the ‘why’ behind every new technology, ensuring that nurses see its value and impact on patient care.
Nursing informatics is not just for the tech-savvy, according to Shella. “Many assume that being a CNIO requires deep technical expertise, but it’s more about understanding nursing, leading change and being passionate about improvement,” she explains. She encourages Filipino nurses aspiring to lead in digital health to be curious, get involved, and embrace continuous learning. Digital transformation in healthcare is inevitable and nurses play a critical role in shaping its future, she adds.
A curious and resilient leader
Originally from Tanza, Cavite, Shella’s leadership is deeply influenced by her Filipino heritage which impressed on her the values of resourcefulness (diskarte), adaptability and problem-solving. Working in critical care settings in Manila taught her to deliver high-quality care despite limited resources, nurturing her ability to think outside the box — a skill she now applies to healthcare innovation.
Shella’s journey has been one of resilience, curiosity and impact. As the first Filipino internationally educated nurse (IEN) to become CNIO in the UK, she is paving the way for future Filipino leaders in healthcare technology. Her contributions to digital health, clinical safety and nursing informatics have made her an influential figure in the UK’s healthcare landscape.
Her story doesn’t end here. Shella is currently undertaking the Nye Bevan Executive Healthcare Leadership Programme through the NHS Leadership Academy, further preparing her for higher executive roles in healthcare innovation. “I’ve always believed in continuous growth. Leadership is not about reaching a destination but about evolving to create more impact,” she reflects.
From critical care nursing in Manila to digital transformation leadership in the UK, Shella demonstrates that adaptability, courage and a commitment to excellence can drive meaningful change. She continues to champion innovation in nursing, ensuring that technology enhances — not replaces — patient care.
About the author
Jerome Babate, RN, PhD, is the Executive Director of the Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network based in Sydney, Australia.
