Innovate Healthier Together Fellowship

On 25 February 2025, the Innovate Healthier Together Fellowship hosted a discussion group on biopsychosocial innovation and the role of co-production in designing inclusive health services. Biopsychosocial innovation is an approach that recognises how biological, psychological, and social factors interact to influence health and wellbeing.

At the core of the discussion was the biopsychosocial model, which acknowledges that health is shaped by these interconnected factors. By addressing these interconnected elements, healthcare solutions can be more holistic, and patient centred. Led by Sean Hourigan, Development and Training Manager with The Peer Partnership, the session explored how integrating these factors can lead to better health outcomes, particularly through peer-led approaches.

Sean introduced the Peer Partnership, a project within Brigstowe, an organisation dedicated to supporting inclusive research and community-led health initiatives, that supports the development and delivery of peer support services for long-term health conditions, such as long COVID, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and reproductive health issues. The Partnership also provides training to promote best practice in peer-led service design and implementation.

By embedding this model into co-produced services, health providers can create solutions that truly reflect the needs and lived experiences of the communities they serve.

One example of successful co-production highlighted in the session was the Common Ambition Bristol project. This initiative, co-designed by University Hospitals Bristol and Weston, Brigstowe, the University of Bristol, and Bristol’s Black, African, and Black Caribbean communities, aimed to increase attendance at targeted sexual health clinics. By engaging with Black-owned businesses and understanding the specific needs of these communities, the project successfully improved clinic access and uptake, demonstrating the importance of culturally relevant engagement.

Sean emphasised the importance of recognising patient pathways, from prevention to long-term care management, and the role of community organisations in these pathways. Peer-led organisations are well positioned to address social and psychological aspects of health, which are crucial for sustained wellbeing.

The discussion also explored the challenges of co-production. Key issues included the need for accessible language, ensuring representation from diverse communities, and fostering stronger collaboration between healthcare providers and community groups. Another significant barrier identified was the difficulty in securing sustainable funding for co-produced services, which can hinder long-term impact.

This session reinforced the value of biopsychosocial innovation and co-production in driving effective, community-led health solutions.

By integrating lived experience into service design, fostering collaboration, and addressing social determinants of health, the future of health care can be more inclusive and responsive to the needs of all communities.

If you are interested in joining the Innovate Healthier Together Fellowship and participating in future events, please complete our registration form or contact us at healthinnowest.ihtfellowship@nhs.net. By joining the Fellowship, you will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded innovators, contribute to discussions shaping the future of healthcare, and gain valuable insights into cutting-edge approaches like biopsychosocial innovation and co-production.

On 11 February 2025, the Innovate Healthier Together (IHT) Fellowship hosted a masterclass exploring the role of Value Based Procurement (VBP) in transforming health and care efficiency and patient outcomes. The session was hosted by Sam Otorepec and Carrie Short, who introduced the work of the Care Pathway team within NHS supply chain and its support for integrated care systems.

The NHS supply chain is crucial in delivering clinically assured goods and services to health providers across England, managing significant annual expenditure while ensuring stock availability and product safety. Priorities within the supply chain span a broad spectrum, from reducing health inequalities and embedding clinical leadership to advancing sustainability initiatives and improving patient outcomes. A key part of this work includes Value Based Procurement, ensuring that purchasing decisions are guided by clinical evidence, patient outcomes, and long-term value rather than just cost, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of health care delivery.

A key takeaway from the masterclass is the importance of clinical care pathways and data-driven decision-making in promoting the adoption of innovative medical products and practices. The NHS supply chain’s Care Pathway team achieves this by conducting financial modelling based on hospital statistical data, engaging with both clinical and non-clinical stakeholders to validate findings, and ensuring realistic implementation that aligns with clinical priorities.

A tangible example of VBP in action is Transnasal Endoscopy (TNE), an innovative alternative to the traditional OesophagoGastro Duodenoscopy (OGD). Unlike conventional endoscopy, which is performed via the mouth and often requires sedation, TNE is performed through the nose, reducing discomfort and gagging for patients. Not only does this improve the patient experience, but it also presents cost savings of approximately £30.00 per procedure and reduces operating time by around 10 minutes. Additionally, as TNE can be nurse-led, it alleviates staffing pressures and frees up conventional endoscopy rooms for more complex procedures. You can learn more about this here.

By utilising robust data insights and engaging a wide range of stakeholders, the Care Pathway team supports trusts in making procurement decisions that enhance care quality while ensuring long-term sustainability.

This masterclass provided Fellows with valuable perspectives on how Value Based Procurement can drive impactful change in healthcare delivery. As the Innovate Healthier Together Fellowship continues to explore key themes in health innovation, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of patient-centred care.

If you’d like to participate in future events or join the Innovate Healthier Together Fellowship, please complete our registration form or contact us at healthinnowest.ihtfellowship@nhs.net.

We are excited to announce that the Innovate Healthier Together Fellowship is now partnered with the Health Foundations Q Community.

The Q Community prides itself on using collaboration to accelerate the improvement of healthcare across the UK and Ireland – providing a place where we can learn together and support each other. As a part of this mission they have created “Supporting Q Connections” (SQC), an ongoing funding programme that is designed to help community members collaborate, share learning, and increase the impact of their improvement work across the health and care system. By fostering purposeful and vibrant connections, SQC supports activities that drive meaningful change. Q members are encouraged to apply to spread learning and create sustainable change in health and care.

We are delighted to announce that one of the successful projects that is receiving support from the SQC is the Innovate Healthier Together programme. This exciting collaboration empowers us to continue to share knowledge and learnings about the adoption and spread of innovations, further build confidence and connections across ICS partner organisations, and design more effective ways to upskill colleagues with innovation principles.

A key focus of SQC is developing system level networks that are improved by sharing ideas and best practices – which aligns perfectly with our goals for the Innovate Healthier Together Network. It is clear that both the IHT Network and the Q Community share a vision of cultivating system-wide networks, where the exchange of ideas and best practices leads to real, sustainable improvements. Through this partnership we can continue to strengthen collaboration across the innovation landscape, ensuring a lasting impact on local systems.

Together, we are shaping a healthier and more innovative future, one bold step at a time!

On 21 January 2025, the Innovate Healthier Together Fellowship hosted a discussion group on the role of sustainability in health and care. The session, led by Simon Hall of Bristol-based, Airway Medical, brought together Fellows to explore how sustainable practices can be integrated into the NHS.

The conversation highlighted the need for health and care innovation to be shaped by the people who use it. Sustainability, similarly, must consider real-world challenges. Making sustainable choices in health and care is complex, and decisions should be based on how products and services fit into everyday practice, not just their environmental impact on paper.

In addition, the group discussed the importance of looking at the entire lifecycle of health and care products, from sourcing materials to disposal.

In 2020, the NHS committed to becoming Net-Zero by 2040, with a target of reducing carbon emissions by 80% by 2032, compared to 2019 levels. This commitment includes a major focus on Scope 3 emissions, which are indirectly related to NHS operations, such as medical device procurement, freight transport, food and catering, construction, manufacturing, and staff commuting.

In 2019, the NHS carbon footprint was calculated at 24.9 MtCO2e, equivalent to the carbon footprint of Croatia. This highlights the substantial role that medical device procurement plays in the NHS’s overall emissions.

Given this ambitious target, the Fellows explored how sustainability is currently being addressed in medical device procurement. Medical devices alone accounted for approximately 16% of the NHS’s carbon footprint in 2019 (around 2.98 Mt). However, less than 0.01% of medical devices are currently labelled as ‘Net-Zero.’

Although the Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) is now mandatory for all tenders within the NHS, this is largely company level rather than product specific. A 10% ‘Social Value’ weighting is also part of procurement, but product-specific weightings for Net-Zero or sustainability are not yet clearly defined.

The conversation turned to what could be done to improve the procurement process. What should a CEO of NHS England consider adding to make sustainable procurement decisions easier? How could procurement teams ensure that Net-Zero goals are incorporated into product selection, and how should ‘Social Value’ be weighted alongside sustainability goals?

In response to this, the importance of clear communication and standardisation of sustainability metrics emerged. A shared understanding of sustainability, consistent definitions and measurable criteria could help clinicians, procurement teams, and manufacturers align on goals and take actionable steps. Clarity in reporting environmental impact, through accessible sustainability labelling and detailed product declarations, would also empower procurement teams to make informed, responsible choices.

Patient impact was also brought up as a key consideration. A more sustainable health and care system must ensure that patients continue to receive effective and efficient care. Clear labelling, environmental impact clarity, and improved product instructions would help both patients and clinicians make informed decisions. In parallel, the sustainability of medical devices must be embedded into existing workflows and procurement processes to ensure ease of adoption.

The discussion also underscored that collaboration is critical. Sustainable health and care solutions cannot be developed in isolation. Engaging suppliers, clinicians, and patients in the decision-making process is vital. Fellows proposed that a register of sustainable products, regularly monitored for accuracy, could support procurement teams and clinicians in their choices.

Simplicity is essential. Overly complex procurement processes and unfamiliar sustainability criteria could slow the integration of more sustainable practices. To support widespread adoption, sustainable options should seamlessly fit into the current processes and workflows of NHS staff, making it easier for them to make decisions in their day-to-day work.

In conclusion, the discussion underscored the importance of integrating sustainability into every aspect of health and care. By fostering collaboration, standardising sustainability metrics, and simplifying procurement processes, the NHS can move towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

If you’d like to join the Innovate Healthier Together Fellowship and participate in future events, please complete our registration form or contact us at healthinnowest.ihtfellowship@nhs.net.

The Innovate Healthier Together Fellowship hosted a compelling Masterclass on 4 December 2024, exploring the critical yet complex topic of procurement regulations and funding within the healthcare system. Led by a Fellow, Professor Richard Scott and his colleague, Brett Cohen, the session offered Fellows valuable insights into overcoming the barriers to innovation often encountered during procurement processes.

A central theme of the session was the importance of adopting a systematic approach to procurement. The speakers emphasised that effective innovation requires interdisciplinary collaboration across professions, underpinned by robust stakeholder engagement. By fostering connections and aligning priorities, organisations can create the supportive frameworks needed to bring innovative ideas to fruition.

One key takeaway was the necessity of demonstrating value for money when proposing innovations. Fellows discussed how clearly articulating the measurable benefits of their solutions—whether through improved outcomes or cost savings—can help navigate procurement complexities and secure essential support. However, they also acknowledged that existing frameworks can sometimes hinder innovative thinking, underscoring the need for more adaptable systems.

The session also provided an opportunity to reframe perceptions of procurement challenges. Far from being an obstacle, the complexities of the process were presented as a chance to apply creative problem-solving and explore strategies that add long-term value to the health and care system. This mindset shift resonated with attendees, many shared their own experiences of overcoming procurement hurdles and adapting to changing regulations.

A lively discussion explored the role of change management in navigating these challenges. Richard and Brett encouraged Fellows to consider procurement as not just a transactional process, but one deeply intertwined with organisational change. They highlighted the importance of engaging with stakeholders at every stage and creating a shared vision for innovation within the health sector.

As with all Innovate Healthier Together Fellowship events, the Masterclass served as a platform for collaborative learning and reflection. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of how to navigate procurement processes and practical tools to address funding barriers.

This session is one of many opportunities exclusively available to Innovate Healthier Together Fellows. If you are not yet a Fellow but would like to join, please fill out our Fellowship registration form. For more information on upcoming activities, contact us at healthinnowest.ihtfellowship@nhs.net.

On 28 November 2024, Some of our Innovate Healthier Together Fellows participated in a practical LinkedIn Masterclass hosted by Bristol-based PR experts from Purplefish, Lucy McKerron and Rianne Mason. The session was designed to empower Fellows with tools and strategies to maximise LinkedIn’s potential as a platform for professional growth, collaboration, and innovation.

The session began by highlighting LinkedIn’s unique role in enabling health and care innovators to network, share insights, and stay informed about the latest industry developments. Lucy and Rianne spoke about the importance of having a well-maintained LinkedIn profile, advising Fellows to regularly update their professional achievements, skills, and experiences to make the most of their presence on the platform.

A key takeaway from the masterclass was the value of engaging with LinkedIn’s additional features, such as publishing LinkedIn Articles, participating in LinkedIn Groups, and leveraging tools to enhance visibility and connections. Fellows were encouraged to post a variety of content, from thought leadership articles to updates on personal and professional achievements. This approach not only strengthens individual brands but also reinforces a sense of community within the healthcare innovation space.

The session also focused on the importance of regular engagement. Fellows were reminded that commenting on peers’ posts, sharing relevant content, and participating in discussions are key to building meaningful relationships and fostering collaboration. These actions not only expand one’s network but also contribute to a vibrant and supportive ecosystem for healthcare innovators.

The importance of supporting the Innovate Healthier Together Fellowship on LinkedIn was also discussed. Fellows were encouraged to join the Fellowship’s LinkedIn Group to stay connected, share resources, and contribute to ongoing conversations.

This masterclass was a valuable opportunity to explore how LinkedIn can be used strategically to support innovation, enhance collaboration, and amplify the collective voice of the Fellowship.

If you missed the session, a recording is available, along with the accompanying PowerPoint slides and resources. You can also join the IHT Fellowship LinkedIn Group to stay engaged with fellow innovators.

For those who are not yet members, you can join the Fellowship by completing our registration form. If you’d like more information, contact us at healthinnowest.ihtfellowship@nhs.net.

This year, the Innovate Healthier Together (IHT) Fellowship brought together professionals across health and care sectors, fostering innovation, learning, and meaningful connections.

Read a recap of the highlights from this inspiring journey.

In partnership with the West of England Academy, a three-module accredited training course has been developed to support the adoption and spread of innovative mindsets.

Covering design-thinking, quality improvement and facilitation skills, these modules provide participants with the skills and techniques to support others better understand the problems they are trying to solve, and methodologies for innovative solution ideation.

If you’d like to find out more about how you can access these courses, please send an enquiry to healthinnowest.ihtfellowship@nhs.net

When: 24 April 2025, 12pm – 1pm

Where: Online (Teams)

Hosted by: Amy Manning, co-founder of S12 Solutions and AMITY

This session is hosted by Amy Manning, an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP), and one of the great minds behind S12 Solutions, a digital health platform designed to streamline processes for AMHPs, ultimately improving patient care.

With extensive experience in commercialising innovations and building successful businesses in the health and social care sector, Amy will share her journey from idea to adoption, leading to S12 Solutions, which now holds an impressive 85% market share within all NHS health and care systems.

S12 Solutions was one of only two digital health companies ever accepted on to NHS England’s prestigious Innovation and Technology Payment Evidence Generation Fund, and is a Platinum Investors in People organisation, the highest level of accreditation achieved by just 2% of assessed organisations.