Meet #OurEntrepreneurs. Today we welcome Alexander Okereke from Leicester.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am a passionate serial healthcare innovator and product manager with extensive experience developing digital health solutions that improve patient access and support care delivery. With a strong background in managing cross-functional teams and driving healthcare projects, I focus on creating technology that empowers both patients and healthcare professionals.
Name: Alexander Okereke, NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Cohort 9
Occupation: Founder
I am dedicated to transforming community care by blending clinical insight with innovative digital tools.
Tell us about your innovation
The NHS is facing two major challenges: long wait times for non-emergency nursing care and increasing nurse workforce shortages. Patients often wait weeks for routine health checks, chronic condition management, paediatric care, or post-operative follow-ups. These delays can lead to worsening health, preventable complications, and greater reliance on already overstretched emergency services. At the same time, nurses are leaving the profession due to burnout, rigid schedules, and limited opportunities for flexible work, which further reduces capacity and puts additional strain on the system.
MyNurse was created to address these issues. It is an AI-powered, Uber-style platform that connects patients with experienced, NHS-trusted nurses for audio and video consultations. Using smart automation, real-time scheduling, and AI-driven escalation logic, MyNurse ensures patients receive timely, high-quality care for non-urgent needs such as general health checks, chronic condition management, paediatric support, and post-operative care. The platform also streamlines booking, payments, and nurse verification while meeting NHS digital standards, including DTAC, for safety and data security.
The impact we aim to deliver is significant. In the short term, MyNurse will reduce non-urgent appointment wait times by up to 50% in pilot areas, improve patient satisfaction, and expand community-based care capacity. Longer term, it will alleviate pressure on NHS services, enhance preventative and follow-up care, and establish a scalable, nurse-led care model across the UK. For patients, this means faster access to trusted care and better health outcomes. For nurses, it offers flexible work opportunities and supplementary income, helping retention and reducing burnout. For the NHS, it creates a more sustainable system by shifting non-urgent care into the community and freeing resources for urgent cases.
By leveraging AI and the expertise of NHS-trusted nurses, MyNurse is building a future where healthcare is more responsive, patient-centred, and resilient — ensuring quality care is always just a tap away.
Why did you join the programme and how do you hope it will support you?
I joined the programme because I’ve reached a point where local progress isn’t enough — I need the structure, support, and network to turn MyNurse from a strong concept into a nationally scalable solution. When I first saw the programme flyer, it felt like perfect timing: an opportunity to bridge the gap between an idea and real-world impact.
Over the next year, I hope the programme will provide expert mentorship to refine our product design, go-to-market strategy, and compliance approach. Access to a network of innovators and potential partners will be invaluable for accelerating development and securing strategic collaborations. Practical guidance on funding, technical integration, and NHS standards will help us scale safely and sustainably.
Our ambition is clear: to onboard 5,000–10,000 nurses and serve thousands of patients nationwide within the next year, reducing wait times and improving access to timely care. Longer term, we aim to reach 50,000 nurses by 2029, formalise partnerships with key healthcare organisations, and create flexible work opportunities that support retention in the profession. Beyond growth, our focus is on measurable impact — better patient outcomes, stronger community care, and a more resilient NHS.
Why do you think innovation is healthcare is important?
Innovation in healthcare is crucial because it tackles pressing challenges like long wait times for non-emergency care and workforce shortages, making the system more efficient and accessible. By introducing solutions like AI-driven platforms, we can reduce delays, improve patient outcomes, and prevent complications through timely care. It also empowers healthcare professionals with flexible work options, helping retain talent and reduce burnout. Ultimately, innovation drives a sustainable, patient-centered NHS, easing pressure on resources and ensuring quality care reaches more people effectively.