We are delighted that today Lord Ara Darzi has announced the national ‘Innovation for a healthier future’ commitment, highlighting the importance of innovation in the NHS backed by a supporting innovation fund £220m to be invested across the country over the next five years.
Taking ideas forward, however big or small can lead to radical improvements in the way healthcare is delivered. This could be simple, practical steps that lead to more time efficient working or large scale technological advances, all focused around positive end results that make a real difference to patients.
In the East Midlands we will be working closely with clinicians and key partners to make sure that our local contribution to spreading innovation is centred around quality, improving safety and saving lives. There are already strong partnerships and systems in place with universities and commercial and public sector organisations and we intend to build on this to speed up the sharing and implementation of new ideas.
Across healthcare in the East Midlands there are many examples of innovation already in place. These include a new website to increase Chlamydia screening in Lincolnshire; a specialist advice centre for cancer patients known as ‘The Pod’ in Nottinghamshire; a nutritional toolkit to help people with a learning disability choose their meals in Derbyshire; faster dispensing of medication to patients in Northamptonshire and a leading approach to removing skin tumours in Leicestershire.
Kathy McLean, Medical Director of NHS East Midlands says: “There is a wide range of leading edge research across the NHS and in the East Midlands, presenting enormous opportunities to implement new ideas and innovations for the benefit of patients. We are committed to making these a reality to ensure better, higher quality care for patients and offering a healthier future for our communities.”
For further information please contact NHS East Midlands communications team on 0115 9684468.
