On October 17th 2018, the Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock, launched 'The Future of Healthcare - our vision for digital, data and technology in healthcare'. This sets the vision for how modern technology can be used to provide digital services that meet the needs of the health and care workforce and the people who are users of care services.

Since then most of the focus has been around the technology architecture standards that will be developed and mandated to support the vision and the impact this might have on existing suppliers.

What I want to focus on are the opportunities for new healthtech solutions, these might come from existing suppliers of technology to healthcare, they could be brand new companies or they might be companies who 'import' relevant technologies from other markets. Whatever the approach this is an exciting time for healthtech in the UK. Innovation is core theme within the secretary of state’s vision with a number of explicit commitments designed to support researchers, innovators and technology companies.

The AHSN network has an important role to play in helping to bring these commitments come to life in ways which support innovators and technology companies to be part of a vibrant competitive healthtech ecosystem that has equal access for any supplier. An eco-system that serves the many not the few and has clear standards and expectations that supports all sizes of business. The prime determinant of success will be the quality of solutions and their ability to address genuine problems.

Many of the commitments set out in the vision around innovation and already, to differing extents, activities and offers that AHSNs already support. This includes:

• Supporting the uptake, adoption and spread of innovative solutions
• Providing opportunities for co-production and co-development of innovation
• Supporting SMEs to navigate the often complicated process of selling into the NHS
• Undertaking and supporting real-world testing and evaluation to create evidence need to give the NHS confidence in new technologies.
• Supporting the innovators with the regulatory processes

The network is very well placed to, build on these capabilities and support the deliver of Matt Hancocks vision. These practical activities, combined with funding, standards and a simplification of the pathway from idea to market adoption is a an exciting prospect. If done well, it will create the environment for healthtech to flourish, in the NHS and the patients they serve to realise the benefits through the power of digital.

View EMAHSNs interactive Innovation Pathway to learn more about how we offer assistance, advice, guidance and signposting help for innovators. 

Find out more about the AHSN national Network supporting the spread of innovation across the UK here.