Policy Connect recently partnered with the Health Innovation Network to host a parliamentary roundtable on unlocking healthcare delivery by navigating data and innovation in the NHS.  

After five years of considerable innovation in the healthcare sector, the beginning of a new parliament marked an important moment to examine the key factors and strategies that have catalysed innovation and identify areas where progress has been impeded.  

A diverse panel of NHS Health Innovation Network Chief Officers delivered a unique range of perspectives shaped by the distinct populations and infrastructures within their respective regions.  

Chaired by Lord James Bethell, the roundtable featured a keynote speech from Minister in the Department of Health and Social Care, Baroness Gillian Merron, who reflected on the importance of innovation in reforming and improving the quality of care available on the NHS.  

Participants shared their experiences across several excellent speeches, providing actionable recommendations across the following thematic pillars:  

• Innovating Safely – ensuring that advancements in healthcare technology and processes prioritise patient safety and adhere to regulatory standards.  
• AI and Digital Network Leadership – harnessing the potential of AI and digital networks to optimise healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.  
• Regional Rural Innovation – spotlighting innovative initiatives tailored to address the unique healthcare needs of rural communities. 
• Translating Research into Innovation – examining the mechanisms through which research findings are translated into tangible innovations, with a focus on the role of institutions like the National Institute for Health Research in fostering innovation ecosystems.  
• Data Innovation – exploring the transformative potential of data-driven approaches in healthcare, while ensuring the secure and ethical handling of sensitive patient information.  

The roundtable featured contributions from:  

• Dr Hatim Abdulhussein, Chief Executive Officer, Health Innovation Kent. 
• Ben Bridgewater, Chief Executive, Health Innovation Manchester. 
• Rishi Das Gupta, Chief Executive, Health Innovation Network (South London). 
• Nicola Bent, Chief Executive, Health Innovation Wessex. 
• Dr Nicola Hutchinson, Chief Executive Officer, Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria.  
• Jon Siddall, Chief Executive Officer, Health Innovation South West. 
• Verena Stocker, Director of Innovation, Research and Life Sciences Strategy, NHS England. 

For more information, please contact Jasmin Adebisi (jasmin.adebisi [at] policyconnect.org.uk (jasmin[dot]adebisi[at]policyconnect[dot]org[dot]uk)).