In a previous blog I mentioned the health and social impacts of alcohol on our region, and highlighted our work to progress early detection of liver disease. This is just one of the programmes EMAHSN will be supporting over the year ahead; other priorities include diabetes, supporting frail older people, stroke rehabilitation, tackling Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and building patient and public engagement in decisions about healthcare services.

Building links with industry so we can identify and spread innovation at space and scale – and create wealth the for the East Midlands' economy – will also be very important areas of focus.

To view our new business plan please follow this link. I welcome feedback about our work so if you have any views or comments please get in touch.

Martin Hindle, Independent Chair of the East Midlands Academic Health Science Network