NHS partnerships boost innovation

Clusters aim to provide education and training as well as promote innovation in the NHS.

A range of new partnerships have been created to promote innovation in the NHS.

Combining the expertise of industry, health and education, Health Innovation and Education Clusters (HIECs) are cross sector partnerships between the NHS, the higher education sector and blue chip companies such as BMW, GlaxoSmithKline and BT.

As well as providing professional education and training, the HIECs will promote innovation in healthcare by speeding up the adoption of research.

Over £11m will be allocated this year to the 17 successful applicants chosen by an Independent Award Panel Chaired by Sir Alan Langlands, Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England.A national HIECs Project Board was set up in February 2009 and bids were received at the end of October 2009.

"HIECs are special partnerships that draw on the wealth of skills and experience of their members", said Health Minister Ann Keen. ?They will improve the development of high quality care and services by quickly bringing the benefits of research and innovation directly to patients."

"These projects will attract and encourage the best talent who can recognise and rapidly adopt new and innovative healthcare and treatment."

Independent Award Channel Chairman, Sir Alan Langlands, said: "The standard of applications has been really high and we have been impressed by the high profile names that want to be involved in improving NHS care. ?The flexibility of the HIEC model means that the vision of each one is appropriate and specific to its local area.?

Added the 05 January 2010 in category Innovation News