In her February blog Suzanne Horobin, EMAHSN’s Head of Innovation Exchange promised that the new Integrated Care System (ICS) Innovation Lead roles would be exciting, fast-paced and never boring!
We invited Shazia who took on the role for Joined-up Care Derbyshire to tell us how her first couple of months had gone – and whether it had lived up to the promise!
I began the role in March 2023, one of the first ICS Innovation Leads to be appointed and start in post. The roles have since been filled in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICS, Northamptonshire, The East Midlands Imaging Network (EMRAD) and the Mental Health Alliance.
EMAHSN provided 18 months to two years of funding for each of the roles. We are embedded into our host organisations and link back to the EMAHSN team.
I act as a connector across JUCD clinical and operational teams to accelerate identification, assessment and implementation of technologies that address our priorities.
Where innovation has been successful locally, I will work with EMAHSN to see where it might be adopted and spread into our neighbouring ICSs – and beyond through the wider AHSN Network of 15 AHSNs across England.
Via EMAHSN, I will be able to support JUCD to access expertise and support across a range of areas. This includes ‘innovation scanning’ (searching the AHSN Network innovation pipeline to identify solutions for rapid adoption), evaluation of innovative technologies and pathways, and training resources to develop workforce skills and knowledge around innovation and transformation.
Our partnership with the AHSN will also support stronger links between research and innovation (enabling implementation of research outputs) and will provide a route to accessing learning and best practice from other ICSs.
I’ve worked in the Derbyshire system for about 15 years so have built good relationships with many stakeholders – this will stand me in good stead for taking this role forward.
Over the last three months I have been ‘touring’ the system to understand the challenges and priorities and see where I might be able to connect services with solutions – many of which might be digital products and technology that are being developed at pace.
I’ve had such positive engagement from everyone – everyone is enthusiastic about how services can continue to be improved for patients and our local population in Derby and Derbyshire.
ICSs have a statutory duty to promote innovation and research. The latest Hewitt Review (April 2023) highlights the role that AHSNs can play in ICS success and strengthening and embedding a culture of research and innovation.
This is such an exciting time to be taking on a role like this. Innovative and transformative technologies offer significant potential to improve outcomes in population health whilst enabling more efficient services. I’m looking forward to working with you in this role that promises never to be boring!
From October 2023, the AHSNs will enter their next five-year licence period. Our remit will stay the same – providing access to proven innovations and expert services. Our name is likely to change to better reflect our role as the innovation arm of the NHS for the East Midlands – whilst not confirmed we think this will be ‘Health Innovation Network East Midlands’.
If you want to find out more about EMAHSN support or how Shazia can support your innovation project – contact her on 07918 446854 or email