Dr Phil Jennings
Vice Chair, the Health Innovation Network, formerly the AHSN Network
Learn how 15 health innovation networks localise innovations to address unique community needs, ensuring personalised healthcare solutions nationwide.
In England, 1.2 million see a GP, 250,000 have an outpatient visit and 50,000 visit A&E daily. Demand for services has never been greater; the ageing population is presenting with more co-morbidities and complex needs. With no signs of easing up, there is a greater need for NHS innovation in the NHS. However, innovation is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Health innovation tailored to local needs
Innovation, like any large-scale policy or transformation plan, requires tailored adaptation and personalisation to fit the unique needs of diverse populations. That’s why the 15 health innovation networks, charged with delivering spread and adoption of innovation in the NHS, are embedded in local regions and focus on matching promising innovations with their specific population needs.
Each health innovation network works closely with its respective integrated care boards (ICBs), to translate national policy into local innovation programmes. This approach enables innovation to address national targets while addressing unique local challenges through tailored strategies, whether it’s redesigning clinical services, introducing new technology or implementing novel therapies.
In England, 1.2 million see a GP, 250,000 have
an outpatient visit and 50,000 visit A&E daily.
Local projects address specific health issues
The Innovation for Healthcare Inequalities Programme (InHIP) has projects across England funded to utilise technologies and medicines that align with the Core20PLUS5 approach to tackling healthcare inequalities. Each project was designed and developed by local health innovation networks, in partnership with their local health systems, to make sure that those most in need within their geography would benefit from innovation.
In practice, this involved a focus on fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) testing and smoking cessation to improve respiratory conditions in young people in Manchester; prescribing direct-acting oral anticoagulants to improve cardiac problems in North West London; and addressing heart failure in coastal North Devon.
From community to national health
While the collective impact of all these projects contributes to the national targets, local tailoring allows the health innovation networks to better align their activities with local priorities — and therefore, their local population.
Working collaboratively allows for learning to be spread more quickly. Being part of the Health Innovation Network allows us to build and harness local expertise and deliver national impact.
Get in touch with your local Health Innovation Network: thehealthinnovationnetwork.com
