National impact report highlights benefits to patients and the economy

A new report outlines how the 15 health innovation networks (HINs) benefitted patients, addressed NHS challenges and supported economic growth. Our work as an individual network benefits from being part of this national collaboration. The Health Innovation Network Impact Report 2023/24 highlights how local change has led to national impact. These include a number of case studies from our region including:

• a community-focused initiative to find and treat people with severe asthma
• evaluating virtual clinics
• carbon reduction support for innovators

The report also contains these case studies demonstrating the successful widespread adoption and spread of innovations in the NHS which started in our region:

• the development of stroke AI imaging
• the introduction of a blood test for pre-eclampsia

The report highlights progress led by HINs across the country in addressing cardiovascular disease, patient safety, health inequity and more in 2023/24. HINs collectively:

• made a difference to the lives of more than 1 million patients
• leveraged £467 million investment through innovator support

Dr Vin Diwaker, Interim Director of Transformation for NHS England, said: “Innovation will be vital to the transformation of the NHS over the next decade, whether being used to improve care for patients or prevent them from becoming ill. Innovation networks will continue to play a key role in encouraging, evaluating and supporting the adoption of cutting-edge diagnostics, technology, and treatments. The latest report highlights that investing in innovation, research and life sciences can significantly enhance patient outcomes and benefit the UK economy and society.”

Rosalind Campion, Director of the Office for Life Sciences, said: “The Health Innovation Network continues to be an invaluable resource to support the development and adoption of innovation, and this report brilliantly highlights the real growth and resilience it delivers for the companies it supports, as well as the patient benefit this creates. Innovation is central to the Government’s health and growth missions to build an NHS fit for the future and to kickstart economic growth. The Network continues to be a strong local and national catalyst to support these ambitions.”

Since 2018 more than 3.8 million people have benefited from HIN national programmes and initiatives and our innovator support has leveraged more than £2.6 billion investment for the UK economy, delivering a 3:1 return on investment.