WMAHSN adopts platform in bid to spread innovation

West Midlands Academic Health Science Network (WMAHSN) has selected Wazoku’s idea management platform, Idea Spotlight, as it looks to increase and share innovation across the NHS.

WMAHSN previously operated Meridian, an interactive innovation health exchange for academia, industry, health and care providers and commissioners and the public. Participants could share their innovations and ideas, build groups and networks and contact others whose innovations could change healthcare in the West Midlands.

Tammy Holmes, head of Innovation Exchange, WMAHSN, said: “Our aim is an active innovation exchange with challenges being matched to solutions and the healthcare ecosystem interacting and working together to improve the health and wealth of the region. We want the West Midlands to be healthier and more productive and for the region to be known as the first digitally-enabled health economy in England.”

WMAHSN intends for the enhanced Meridian to address health issues facing the region, such as low life expectancy and high levels of obesity, and also to improve the region’s economic prospects with higher levels of engagement and adoption of innovation.

Holmes added: “The West Midlands is a region of diversity, with areas of affluence, deprivation and with established health inequalities, but it is also one that is rich in potential. Innovation and collaboration are central to us fostering positive change for the people in our region. We needed a solution that would allow a wide range of internal and external contributors to collaborate and we feel confident we have the right provider in Wazoku.”

Idea Spotlight is used by public sector organisations including the Ministry of Defence and Worcestershire County Council, as well as international businesses. It’s used to capture, evaluate, improve and implement ideas from all places, share information and collaborate across organisations entire network of users to build innovation culture and better prepare businesses for the future.

Simon Hill, CEO of Wazoku, said: “Health innovation is all about continuous improvement and Meridian is already proving to be a successful innovation hub for the WMAHSN. But with the additional functionality our platform offers and the experience we have in working within health innovation, Meridian can make even greater strides to making the West Midlands a healthier and happier place to live.”