A new scheme has been launched across four regions in the UK for SMEs to join digital health accelerators.
Digital health Drs
The scheme hopes to bring digital solutions to the NHS to help the organisation tackle some of its most pressing challenges.
SMEs can now apply to join digital health initiatives across the East Midlands, Manchester, the South West and London.
The digital health accelerator was previously only available in London, where it has supported technologies including a smartphone app that cuts A&E waiting times, a digital lifestyle management platform that can help reverse type 2 diabetes and a “USB port for the body” that can host a bionic limb.
Each accelerator will select companies with digital technology that match the problems facing the NHS. The accelerators hope that by bringing digital innovations to the NHS, thousands of people will be able to benefit and improve their health. The scheme also hopes to help companies grow faster and to support economic growth across the regions.
Successful SMEs in each region will receive one-to-one support from a designated “NHS Navigator; specialist training; support with product development; opportunities to meet experts from business, clinical, and government backgrounds and regular opportunities to showcase their products with NHS decision-makers and influencers
Juliet Bauer, chief digital officer at NHS England, said: “In its 70th year the NHS continues to support the spread of cutting edge innovation, from championing specific innovations to supporting frontline clinicians to develop their services. This NHS initiative has already provided London patients with access to a range of exciting digital innovations, I look forward to seeing patients from across the country benefit as more companies are supported to bring their innovations into the NHS.”
Hannah Harniess, programme director at DigitalHealth.London Accelerator, said: “When SMEs with fantastic products can’t access the NHS, it is patients that miss out. We’ve seen time and time again that digital technologies can make a major difference and help the NHS save resource – whether it’s slashing waiting times in A&E or helping people to manage long term conditions and live healthier lives. By taking our successful model to four new locations across the country, we know we’ll meet even more incredible companies with innovative products that can help the NHS.”
Elliott Engers, CEO of DigitalHealth.London company Infinity Health, said: “Being a member of the DigitalHealth.London Accelerator has been an extremely valuable experience for us. As a direct result of the programme we have had the opportunity to meet with senior NHS stakeholders in London. Additionally, we have had the privilege of working with the most experienced health economists and researchers in the country, allowing us to better understand the impact Infinity has on clinical practice and the research methodology necessary to develop a robust evidence-base for our core product.”
